By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

ILLEGAL. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy on Wednesday (Jan. 22, 2025) shows reporters photos of the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers seized from a Malaysian national who was arrested in Parañaque City on Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2025). The device, which costs around PHP600,000, is usually used in text scams but can be used by unscrupulous candidates to campaign during elections. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – Authorities on Wednesday warned those running in the May 12 midterm elections against the use of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers during the campaign period, saying it could lead to sanctions.

Used commonly in text scams, IMSI catchers mimic cell towers and convince nearby phones to connect to them, thus allowing for the collection of IMSI number.

In a joint press briefing held at the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) office in Camp Crame, 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.

“Possible dahil in the past elections, nakita natin na ginagamit itong mga IMSI catchers for text blasting at dati napakamabenta itong mga equipment na ito sa mga politicians especially for election purposes. Tumataas yung bentahan nito during elections (In the past elections, we saw that IMSI catchers are used for text blasting, and before, these equipment are used by politicians especially for elections purposes. They become hot items during elections),” Uy told reporters.

The PNP-ACG arrested a 46-year-old Malaysian in Parañaque City on Tuesday believed to be the head of a syndicate supplying IMSI catchers for illicit activities.

“We would like to remind itong mga (the) candidates that these equipment are illegal, they are not licensed, they are subject to confiscation and criminal prosecution if you possess these devices,” Uy said, noting that IMSI catchers are usually smuggled into the country.

The DICT chief said they will be coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration, Malaysian authorities and the governments of the countries where the arrested suspect first traveled as part of their investigation.

Uy said the type of equipment confiscated was used in scamming operations posing as telecommunication companies, banks and job recruiters.

He also advised the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities, such as individuals wearing backpacks who appear restless, or vehicles repeatedly circling an area.

“This is very concerning. Posibleng may kasabwat na mga local (It’s possible that he has local accomplices),” Uy said, adding authorities will also trace those who purchased the device in the country.

“Our best advice is for you to surrender the device voluntarily. Surrender it because we have already caught the supplier, so it’s just a matter of time before we find out who bought it. Once we know, we will go after you,” he added.

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Executive Director Alexander Ramos said the device is neither a local product nor locally assembled.

“Complete na siya noong dinala dito (It was complete when it was brought here). This is a new version ng IMSI catcher,” Ramos said.

According to ACG spokesperson Lt. Wallen Arancillo, apart from the Philippines, the Malaysian suspect also sold the equipment in Cambodia, China and Thailand.

“Nakita namin na siya yung nag-post sa mismong Facebook page na siya daw yung (We saw his post on Facebook describing himself as the) ‘best seller’ when it comes to selling this kind of device,” Arancillo said.

The Malaysian suspect faces 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.

The device costs around PHP600,000 and is also known as “stingray,” rogue cell tower, fake cell tower, cell site simulator, or 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. (PNA)