By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – A former security guard of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) firm was arrested for selling International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said on Friday.
In a press conference held at Camp Crame, ACG chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said an entrapment on Thursday led to the arrest of 40-year old suspect, alias Dante, who advertised the sale of the device worth PHP600,000 on social media.
“Sa pag cyber patrol nila they were able to chance upon yung nagbebenta nito. Ito ay nakita sa isang social media platform na kung saan yung grupo ay galing doon sa mga former POGO employees or operators (During their cyber patrol they were able to chance upon the seller. This was seen on a social media platform where the group is from former POGO employees or operators),” he said.
The device is also known as “stingray,” rogue cell tower, fake cell tower, cell site simulator, and drop box. Once connected, it can collect the IMSI numbers of devices, enabling it to track their location and activity, as well as intercept text messages, calls, and data traffic.
The IMSI catcher can be used for mass SMS broadcasting without needing a database, SIM card, or WiFi.
Yang said the suspect purchased the IMSI catcher from his former employer after the company shut down following the government’s ban on POGOs effective end of December 2024.
He said the device could be used for scamming, election campaigning, or spreading disinformation.
The suspect will face charges for violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Philippine Radio Station and Radio Communication Act, the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act and the Data Privacy Act.
Earlier, then Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy said IMSI catchers could be used during elections for text blasts, giving candidates an advantage by reaching a larger audience.
Unregistered medicines
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested ‘Wenkai’, the owner of the business establishment, in a buy-bust for allegedly selling unregistered medicine at Oceanaire Residences, Barangay 76, Pasay City on March 3.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said seized from the operation were alleged counterfeit medicines and prescription drugs, including glucose injections, antibiotics, herbal supplements, and pain relief medications worth PHP500,000.
Torre said the arrested suspect were charged before the National Prosecution Service for violation of Republic Act 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009) for selling unregistered or misbranded health products.
“Selling unregistered or unsafe products poses serious health risks and is illegal. We urge the public to check labels, verify FDA registration, and ensure safety compliance. Report any crimes or illegal trade, and CIDG will take action,” he said. (PNA)
