Chapter 17

Citizens Band Radio Service

Definition. — A citizens band radio service is a private, two-way short distance voice communications service of
fixed, land, mobile or portable stations intended for personal or business activities. The CB radio service may also be
used for voice paging radio signalling, and control of remote objects or devices. (Ministry Circular No. 79-003 dated
November 20, 1979).

Note: The original definition of citizens band radio service was that it was intended only for private or personal
short distance radiotelephone communication and radio control of objects or devices such as model airplane,
boats or cars. It was not intended for business activities communications or voice paging radio signal. (Dept.
Order No. 287, January 2, 1959)

Q— What is required to operate a citizens band radio station?

Ans.— No radio station within the citizens band radio service shall be operated, except under and in accordance with
permit or license issued by the National Telecommunications Commission.

Note: The then President of the Philippines, in a Memorandum dated February 1, 1981 banned the operation,
importation and sale of Citizen's Band radio transceivers and suspended the allocation of citizen's band
frequencies. (Presidential Memorandum, February 1, 1981))

Q— What are the qualifications of an applicant for a radio station license?

Ans.— 1. He must be a citizen of the Philippines;

2. At least 18 years of age;
3. Good moral character.
4. If an applicant is a corporation, it must be organized under the laws of the Philippines, provided that the
operation of the station must be handled by a citizen of the Philippines possessing the qualifications herein
required.

Note: An applicant for license or permit to operate a remote-control radio station shall be at least ten (10) years of
age, a citizen of the Philippines and of good moral character, applicant for an operator's permit must be at
least fifteen (15) years of age.

Q— What are the requirements for accreditation of civic action group?

Ans.— An applicant organization, association or group, duly registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and having a minimum membership of 25 citizens band radio users, may be accredited by the
National Telecommunications Commission.

Note: An applicant organization shall execute a memorandum agreement with the National Telecommunications
Commission. The Memorandum agreement shall indicate the conditions under which the applicant
organization, association or group may be accredited.

Q— What is the term of the citizens band radio station license?

Ans. — A station license or an operator's permit may be is. sued for a period of not more than two (2) years, renewable
for the same period.

Technical Regulations.

Q— What are the frequencies available for the use of the citizens band radio service?

Ans. — The frequencies available for the use of the citizens band radio service are 26.965—27.405 MHz.
 Q— What are the corresponding channels prescribed to the frequencies?

Ans. — The corresponding channels are prescribed to the following frequencies:

Note: Channel 9 shall be used only for emergency communications and channel 5 for police assistance or traffic
coordination.
The frequencies available for remote control objects or devices with an output power of 1 watt (2A2)
are 26.995, 27.045, 27.095, 27.145, and 27.195.

Q— What is the maximum power authorized for citizens band radio service are:

Frequency Type Emission Power Output

26.965-27.405 MHz. 2A2/2F2 1 watt
8A3 5 watts
3A3J 12 watts (PEP)
3A3H 12 watts (PEP)
Note: The use of a linear or external radio frequency (RF) power amplifier shall be strictly prohibited.

Q— What is the frequency tolerance for CB service?

Ans. — The carrier frequency of a station in this service shall be maintained within 0.005% of the authorized
frequency.

Q— What are the types of emission for CB station?

Ans. — For stations using plain language communications (radio-telephone), the following types of emission are
allowed:
Double side band, amplitude modulated SSB (USB), Suppressed carrier AM SSB (compatible AM) USB with
carrier or stations used for the control of remote objects or devices by radio, the use of amplitude tone
modulation or on-off unmodulated carrier only, shall be authorized.

Note: The use of tone signals solely to attract attention or for the control of remote objects or devices is prohibited.
In the band between 26.965 — 27.405 MHz, the use of type F2 or F3 emission is not authorized. When an
unauthorized emission results in harmful interference, the NTC may at its discretion, require
appropriate technical changes in the equipment to eliminate or minimize interference.

The use of a television interference filter (TVI) for base stations is authorized.

Q— What are the emission limitations in CB radio station?

Ans. — The mean power of emission shall be attentuated below the mean power output of the transmitter in the
following manner?

(a) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50% up to the end including 100%
of the authorized bandwidth, at least 25 db.
(b) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 100% of the authorized bandwidth,
at least 40 db.

Q— What is the modulation limitation for CB station?

Ans. — Radio frequency carrier of a station in this shall be modulated in amplitude by not more than 100% on positive
or negative peaks.

Q— What are the minimum specifications for equipment Q of CB stations?

Ans. — The minimum specifications are the following:

1. The radio station shall utilize equipment with acceptable frequency selectors.
2. The frequency stability of the transmitter shall be within the tolerance specified by the regulation.

3. The transmitter shall be designed, constructed and adjusted by the manufacturer or accredited radio-
electronic shop to operate only on frequencies available to the citizens band radio service.
4. In designing the equipment, every reasonable precaution shall be taken to protect the users from
voltage shock and RF burns.

5. Connections to batteries (if used) shall be made in such a manner as to permit replacement by the user
without causing improper operation of the transmitter.
6. Generally accepted modern engineering principles shall be utilized in radio frequency radiations to
guard against unnecessary interference to other stations.
7. Controls which may affect changes to the carrier frequency of the transmitter shall not be accessible
from the exterior of any unit.

Q— What are the changes in the CB stations which need the approval of the NTC?

Ans. — The following changes may be made upon approval by the NTC;
1. Change of authorized equipment.
2. Increase in the number of transmitters.
3. Change of location (vehicles or permanent residence of the licensee)
4. Change in the type of emission or any power output.

5. Change of operating frequency.

Station Operating Requirements

Q— What are the prohibited uses of CB radio station?

Ans. — A citizen band radio station shall not be used:

1. For any purpose or any activity which is contrary to laws.

2. To carry communications for a consideration, whether the remuneration or benefit received is direct or
indirect.

3. To transmit subversive, obscene, indecent, profane words or language.

4. To communicate with unlicensed stations or with any foreign stations.

5. For any communication not direct to specific stations or persons, except for (1) emergency and civil
defense communications, (2) test transmission, (3) communications from a mobile unit to other units or
stations for the sole purposes of requesting routing directions, assistance to disabled vehicles, or vessels,
or information concerning the availability of food or lodging or any other emergency assistance necessary
to a licensee in transit.

6. To convey program material for retransmission, live or delayed or a broadcast facility, except for civic
action activities.
 7. To interfere maliciously with the communications or operation of another station.

8. To transmit superfluous communications, i.e., any transmission which are not necessary to
communications.

9. To transmit music, whistling, sound effects, or any material for amusement purposes, solely to attract
attention.

10. To transmit the word 'MAYDAY" or other international distress signals, except when a ship, aircraft or
other vehicle is threatened by grave and imminent danger and it requests immediate
assistance.

11. To transmit communications advertising or soliciting the sale of any goods or services.

12. To transmit messages in codes, abbreviations, including nationality or internationally

recognized operating signals which may be used only if a list of all such abbreviations and their
meanings is kept in the station records and made available to any National Telecommunications
Commission representative on demand.
Q— What is the requirement before a person can operate a CB radio station?
Ans. — A citizen or radio operator permit (issued without examination) or any other class of valid radio operators
license/certificate or permit as required for the operation of any citizen's radio station.

Q— What are the requirements for posting of licenses of CB stations?

Ans. — 1. License for a citizens band base station shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the room in which a
transmitter is located.
2. License for a mobile station shall be kept in the vehicle wherein the transmitter is installed.
3. License for a portable station shall be kept in the station address duly authorized by the National
Telecommunications Commission and a true copy thereof shall at all times be carried by the individual
actually operating such station.
Q— What is the duration of transmission on CB radio station?

Ans. — All communications or signals, regardless of their nature, except in cases of communications involving safety
of life or property or civil defense communications, shall not exceed FIVE (5) consecutive minutes.

At the conclusion of the five minute period or upon termination of the exchange, the stations engaged in
the exchange shall remain silent for the same duration and shall monitor the frequency before any further
transmission are made in order to provide- other stations an opportunity to use the same frequency.

Q— To what extent is the transmission of permissible control signals?

Ans. — The transmission of permissible control signals shall be limited to the minimum practicable time necessary to
accomplish the desired control or actuation of remote objects or devices. The continuous radiation of energy
for periods exceeding five minutes duration for the purpose of transmission of control signals shall be limited
to control functions requiring at least one more changes during each minute of such transmission. However,
while it is actually used to control model aircraft in flight by means of interrupted tone modulation of its
carrier, a citizen's radio station may transmit a continuous carrier without being simultaneously modulated if
the presence or absence of the carrier also performs

Note: An exception to the limitations may be authorized upon a satisfactory showing that a continuous control signal
is required to perform a control function, which is necessary to insure the safety of life or property.

Q— What is the duty of licensee if he received notice of a technical deviation?

Ans. — The radiations of any transmitter shall be suspended immediately, except for the necessary tests and
adjustments, upon receipt of notice from the National Telecommunications Commission of a deviation from
the technical requirements of this circular until such deviation is corrected satisfactorily

Q— What are the requirements for station identification of CB stations?

Ans. — 1. All stations operating in the citizens band radio service shall use the authorized call signs issued by the
NTC.
2. Each station in the CB radio service shall transmit its call sign in English or in the National Language at
the beginning and end of each transmission or series of transmissions on every frequency used,

3. Identification of the transmission for the control of remote objects is not required.

4. The call sign shall be indicated on a conspicuous side of the transmitting apparatus with block characters
not less than one half (1/2) inch high. In cases of vehicular stations, the corresponding call sign shall also
be indicated on the rear portion of the vehicles with block characters not less than two (2) inches high.

Q— What is the area of operation of a CB station?

Ans. — The citizens band radio station may be operated from a vehicle, house or any other fixed location and within a
specified area duly authorized by the NTC.

Note: The station location of a portable station shall be the address duly authorized by the NTC. It shall be operated
within the region as specified' in the license.

Q— Who should control the CB transmitters and the operations thereof?

Ans. — All transmitters licensed in the citizens band radio service must at all times be under absolute control of
the licensee. The licensee shall not, in any case, transfer, assign or dispose of, in any manner, directly or
indirectly the operating authority under his station license to any unauthorized party without prior approval
from the National Telecommunications Commission.

Q— What type of transmitter/transceiver should be utilized in the CB radio service?

Ans. — Every transmitter utilized by a radio station authorized to operate in the CB radio service, either locally, or
imported, must be a type accepted and included in the official list of equipment published by the
National Telecommunications Commission entitled "Radio Equipment List".

Note: Type acceptance for an individual transmitter may be granted to an applicant, after the National
Telecommunications Commission has verified that the equipment meets the technical standards pre
scribed for the CB service. Such transmitter, if accepted, shall not be included in the "official list" of
equipment, but shall be individually enumerated on the station license. A permit to construct the transmitter
acquired by an applicant other than a registered manufacturer, prior to the construction of any
transmitter/receiver.

Q— What are the requirements for local manufacturers of communication equipment in the CB radio station
service?

Ans. — 1. Local manufacturers of equipment capable of being used or operated in this service, may submit
units of such communication equipment to the NTC for type approval.

2.Such a request for type approval shall not be granted unless twenty five (25) units of the particular model to
be submitted are scheduled for manufacture.
3.When advised by the NTC, the applicant must sent a prototype model to the NTC, complete with power
supply, for testing purposes. An official report of the test shall be available only to the manufacturer
concerned, however the NTC shall publish the list of approved equipment.
Q— What are the minimum specification requirements for communication equipment in the CB station service ?

Ans. — Equipment submitted for type approval in the service shall be capable of meeting the technical specifications
prescribed by the regulations. In addition the manufacturer shall comply with any necessary basic instruction
concerning the proper adjustment, use or operation of the communication equipment which shall be attached
to the equipment in a suitable manner and in such positions as to be easily read by the operator.

Q— What action taken by the NTC with regard to illegally possessed or operated equipment?

Ans. — Any transmitter/transceiver in the CB station service found to be illegally possessed and/or operated shall be
immediately confiscated and deposited with the National Telecommunications Commission. Such confiscated
equipment may be used as evidence in any criminal action in court against the violator.

Note: Any violation of this regulation shall be dealt with in accordance with the penal provision of Act No. 3846, as
amended.

Q— What is the Interim Citizens Band Radio Advisory Council?

Ans. — In order to effectively regulate, control and supervise the use of citizens band radio service, the Interim
Citizens Band Radio Advisory Council is created to assist the NTC in the study and formulation of a unified
policy guidelines and in providing a clear-cut direction affecting the citizens band radio service. In
particular, the Council shall:

1. Advise the Commissioner in the adoption of policies and in the promulgation of necessary measures to
carry out such policies and objectives affecting the CB Radio Service;

2. Monitor organizational activities of civil organ izations, using the Service and recommend measures that
may be necessary to bring about a closer cooperation and coordination in their operation and to promote
harmonious relationships among themselves; and

3. Attend to such matters as are desirable in its advisory and/or consultative capacity or as may be directed by
the Commissioner. (NTC MC NO. 05-3-82, March 10, 1982)

Note: The Council, composed or a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and five members, all of whom shall be duly
designated by the Commissioner.

The then President of the Philippines in a memorandum directive dated February 1, 1981 banned the
operation, importation and sale of Citizen's Band radio transceivers, and suspended the allocation of citizen's
band frequencies.
Chapter 17-A
Civic Action Radio Network
(NTC MC No. 12-8-92)

Pursuant to the powers vested in the National Telecommunications Commission to promulgate rules and regulations to
encourage a larger and more effective use of communications and of the pertinent provisions of Act 3846 as amended,
the following rules and regulation to govern the installation, operation and maintenance of a radio communication
network by civic action organizations and their bonafide members are herein promulgated:

GENERAL

1. PURPOSE

To prescribe the rules and regulations to govern the installation, operation and maintenance of a
radiocommunication network to civic action organization actively engaged in public assistance during
emergency or disaster involving the preservation of life, property, and the maintenance of the peace and order
of a community or the country as a whole. It shall also serve as a guide for the orderly, efficient and effective
utilization of the radio frequency spectrum.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Authorization of Civic Action Radio Network

1.1 A civic action organization, group, club or society duly registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and having a bonafide minimum active membership of fifty (50) of good
standing, may apply for a Permit to Operate Civic Action Radio Network with the Commission.
1.2 An application by the aforementioned entity to the Commission for Permit to Operate a Civic Action
Radio Network must be accompanied with the following documents:
1.2.1 An authenticated copy of its SEC Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporation and
By-laws.
1.2.2 A duly certified list of all its members, the Board of Directors and Officers by the Secretary
of the organization for the current year.
1.2.3 A letter of intent specifying the technical description of its desired radiocommunication
network together with the proposed network diagram showing its mode of operation, the exact
location where the proposed radio stations are to be installed and/or area coverage duly signed
and sealed by an Electronics and Communications Engineer.
1.2.4 Existing Memorandum of Agreement signed by the organization with any government and/or
non-government agency with whom the applicant renders civic assistance.
1.2.5 National Bureau of Investigation Clearance for all its bonafide members secured at least three
(3) months prior to its filing.

2. Applicants, permits/licenses and operator certificates.

2.1 No organization, group, club or society, association engaged in a nonprofit civic action activities shall
be allowed to install, operate and maintain a radio communication network and/or radio station (s)
without first obtaining the following form the Commission:
2.1.1 Permit to Purchase prior to the acquisition of the required radio equipment.
2.1.2 Construction Permit prior to the Construction or installation of the Base (FB, FX, RPTR, etc.)
station (s). For mobile radio stations, the radios station carrier with it the authority to install or
construct.
2.1.3 Radio Station License prior to the operation of the radio stations.
2.1.4 Appropriate Radio Operator’s Certificate for each of the organization’s radio station (s).

2.2 Any member of the organization or any other person who shall operate the organization’s radio station
(s) shall be holders of valid radio operators certificates as follows:
2.2.1 Operators of base (FB, FX, RPTR, etc.) radio stations shall be a holder of at least a Second
Class Radio Telephone Operator
Certificate.

2.2.2 Operators of mobile/portable stations shall be a holder of at least a Restricted Land Mobile
Certificate (RLMC).

2.3 A civic group radio station license shall be subject to annual renewal upon presentation to the
Commission of the following:
2.3.1 Properly accomplished application for renewal of each radio station license (s) and the
original Radio Station License (s)
2.3.2 Existing Memorandum of Agreement signed by the applicant with any governmental and/or
non-governmental agency with whom the applicant renders civic assistance.
2.3.3 Report or proofs of civic action activities.

2.4 The Commission reserves the right to deny any application filed which fails to meet the above
requirement as a civic action group.

3. Technical Provisions
3.1 Allocated bands of frequencies for Civic Action Radio Network
(s).

3.1.1 Within 400 MHz band: Simplex – 429.500 – 429.725 MHz

Duplex – TX: 422.500 – 422.600 MHz
RX: 427.500 – 427.600 MHz

3.1.2 Within 200 MHz band:

Simplex – 216.525 – 216.750 MHz
Duplex – TX: 220.525 – 220.625 MHz
RX: 223.525 – 223.625 MHz

3.1.3 Within VHF mid-band:

Simplex – 146.025 – 146.375 MHz
 3.2 Operation on the above-allocated bands on a particular frequency or pair of frequencies shall be made
on the basis of Commission’s technical study as to which mode and technical parameter are deemed
appropriate. All assignments shall be on strictly sharing and non-interference basis (NIB) only.
3.3 Only commercially type-acceptance/approved radio equipment shall be allowed on this service.
However mobile and portable amateur type equipment which have been duly registered to members
of old civic action groups with existing authorized radio network prior to the promulgation of this
Circular may be allowed to operate pursuant to this Circular subject to grandfathering within three (3)
years but not beyond December 11, 1995. After this period, no radio station license shall be renewed
without this radio equipment having been replaced to a commercially type acceptance/approved unit.
3.4 Operation within the VHF mid-band shall be limited to simplex mode only. Existing stations of the
commercial service operating within the above-mentioned allocated band shall be transferred to an
appropriate band/channel within three (3) years after approval of this Circular.
3.5 Only one network shall be allowed to one civic organization. However, the same network, upon
proper application may be re-used by the group in areas not within their authorized area coverage. As
far as practicable, only one (1) base station shall be allowed per service area of twenty five (25) km
radius.

This circular shall take effect immediately and shall supersede or amends any Order, Circular or Memorandum
inconsistent herewith.
Chapter 17-B
Personal Radio Service
(NTC MC No. 11-21-88)
Pursuant to the powers vested by the law upon the National Telecommunications
Commission (NTC) for the orderly and effective Number 88-230 dated 22 July 1988, The Commission hereby
promulgates the herein implementing rules and regulations to govern the authorization, installation, operation and
other related activities for said service.

Section I. PURPOSE

To prescribe rules and regulations to govern the authorization, installation and operation of the Personal Radio
service for the orderly, efficient and effective utilization of the radio frequency spectrum and to serve the short
distance communications needs of qualified persons and small business entities, which otherwise cannot as yet be
provided for public carriers.

Section 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the purpose of this Circular, the following terms are defined hereunder.

2.1 Personal Radio Service – A land mobile radio service intended for short distance two-way personal
and business communications authorized to qualified person and business entities.

2.2 Personal Base Radio Station – A radio station in the Personal Radio Service installed at a specified
fixed location and operated to communicate with personal mobile or personal portable radio
stations.

2.3 Personal Land Mobile Radio Station – A radio station in the Personal Radio Service installed on
board vehicle or vessel and intended for use while in motion or during halts at unspecified points.

2.4 Personal Portable radio Station – A radio station in the Personal Radio service so designed that it
may be conveniently be moved about from one place to another or personally carried and be
operated while in motion or during temporary halts.

2.5 Radio Station – one or more transmitters, receivers or combinations of transmitters and receivers
including the accessories equipment authorized at a location for carrying on a radio communication
service.

2.6 Restricted Land Mobile Permit (RLMP) – a permit issued by NTC to a qualified person in order him
to operate a licensed land mobile radio station.

2.7 Second Class Radiotelephone Operator Certificate – a certificate issued by NTC to a qualified person
in order him to operate a licensed land base radio station under the PRS.
Section 3. APPLICATIONS, PERMITS/LICENSES AND/OR OPERATOR
CERTIFICATE

3.1 Station permits/licenses and/or certificates

3.1.1 No person, corporation, association or entity shall be allowed to install, operate and maintain a
personal radio system without first obtaining from the National Telecommunications
Commission, the following:

- Permit to Purchase/Possess prior to the acquisition of the radio equipment for Personal
Radio Service.

- Construction Permit prior to the construction and/or installation of the personal base radio
station.

For mobile radio station, the radio station license carries with it the authority to install or
construct.

- Radio Station License prior to the operation of the personal radio station.

All the above permits and/or licensee may be applied for simultaneously, whenever
applicable within the time frame provided in the attached Office Order, the permits
and/or licenses shall be issued immediately.

3.1.2 Operators of radio stations shall be holders of a valid operator’s certificate.

- The Base Station shall be operated by at least a holder of an RLMP but shall be under the
supervision of at least a holder of a 2 nd Class Radiotelephone Operator Certificate. Said
operator and the Personal Radio Service operator shall be jointly responsible for any
violations of the base station.

- For mobile/portable at least a holder of a Restricted Land Mobile Permit (RLMP).

3.2 The radio station license issued under the Personal radio service shall have a maximum validity period of
three (3) years subject to renewal

3.3 The schedule of fees for this service shall be the same as that prescribe by the NTC for regular
commercial station licenses.

Section 4. BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR AN APPLICANT

4.1 Citizen of the Philippines.

4.2 If an individual, at least 18 years old and of good moral character.

4.3 If a business entity, must be duly organized and incorporated in accordance with the Philippines Laws.

4.4 Nature, scope, area and extent of the operation.

Section 5. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 The frequency bands/channels to be allocated for this Service shall be strictly on a sharing and non-
interference basis for authorized license of this Service.

5.2 License shall operate on a frequency sharing basis in the bands/channels allocated and in the specific
frequency assignment and within the specific service area coverage indicated in the license issued by the
National Telecommunications Commission. (See Annex A)

The system shall be allowed only a maximum of one (1) base, two (2) mobiles and two (2) portable
stations. For more than five (5) stations, an applicant shall have to apply for a regular commercial radio
station license.

5.3 Licensees shall operate on a frequency sharing basis in the bands/channels allocated and in the specific
frequency assignment and within the specific service area coverage indicated in the license issued by the
National Telecommunications Commission. (See Annex A)

5.4 Licensees shall operate only within the parameters of the station power output authorized by the NTC.
(See Annex A)

The use of linear amplifier or booster/RF amplifier is strictly prohibited. The use thereof shall be
sufficient cause for confiscation of equipment and the corresponding cancellation of a license.

5.5 The type of emission shall be limited to voice only.

5.6 The Commission may, in the interest of improved communications, adopt additional parameters for the
effective and efficient use of the Personal Radio Service.

5.7 Any modification of the Personal Radio license by reason of transfer of location of the base or mobile
stations or for additional or change of equipment or other related major modification to be effected in the
license must be duly covered by an application and duly approved by the Commission.

Section 6. RULES TO GOVERN THE OPERATION OF PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES

6.1 Transmission must be in plain language of either English or Pilipino. No radio station in this service
shall transmit messages or signals which are profane, indecent, or contrary to public morals and inimical
to public or national interest.

6.2 All transmission shall carry identification signals and for this purpose, NTC shall assign a distinctive
call sign for each station. Transmitting false or misleading identification shall be strictly prohibited.

6.3 All call signs shall be conspicuously indicated at the authorized location of the station and/or on the
equipment in the case of a portable station.

6.4 Station licenses/permits and/or certificates must be conspicuously posted in the place of their respective
locations authorized and/or where to be operated as indicated in the authorization.

6.5 A licensee shall operate his station in accordance with his authorization and in manner as to prevent any
harmful interference with other existing authorized communications services.

Section 7. ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTION

 Violation of law, rules and regulations, permits/licenses and/or certificates issued by this Commission shall subject
any grantee to the imposition of a fine and/or the cancellation/suspension of its authorization and/or the forfeiture of
the equipment involved.

Any person who is not a holder of any of the permits/licenses and/or certificates issued by this Commission shall be
subjected to the imposition of fines and the confiscation and forfeiture of any illegal radio found in his possession or
operation, in addition to such other sanctions provided for by law.

Section 8. EFFECTIVITY

This circular takes effect immediately and may be revised, revoked or amended, in the interest of good and improved
communication service as determined by the Commission.