MANILA – Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) operatives have arrested in the past six months 17 individuals for the illegal online sale of text-blast machines and signal jammers, a police official said Thursday.
In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP-ACG Director, Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, presented to the media items confiscated from an alias Kian, 36, the latest suspect to be arrested by the Southern District Anti-Cybercrime Team in an entrapment operation in Taguig City on July 22.
Kian, who was arrested for the illegal online sale of SMS blaster devices, was engaged in buy-and-sell activities. He claimed the devices were part of a bundle of personal computers he had purchased online from a seller of machines pulled out from a defunct Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
During the operation, operatives confiscated 11 units of GSM Modem Pool (SMS blaster machines) from the suspect.
Yang said Kian is facing charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 3846 (Philippine Radio Control Law), as amended by RA 584, in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
“This operation reflects our continued commitment to protecting the public from cybercriminals who exploit technology for illegal activities. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report suspicious online transactions to authorities to help prevent cyber-enabled crimes,” he said.
Kian’s arrest brought to 17 the number of suspects arrested for the online selling of text-blast machines and signal jammers. They were arrested during operations between Dec. 20, 2024 and July 31, 2025.
Among the items seized from the suspects were 39 SMS blasters, five signal jammers and one International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher worth PHP1.1 million.
The operations align with PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s directive to intensify cybercrime investigation and promote a safer digital environment for all. (PNA)