By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) on Thursday warned the public against buying illegal text-blast machines, saying violators could face imprisonment under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The warning came after operatives arrested three individuals accused of selling text blasters online in separate operations in Cavite and Parañaque City.
PNP-ACG Director, Maj. Gen. Wilson Asueta, said the suspects, identified only by their aliases Ali, Kara, and Jess, are facing charges for violating Section 4(a)(5) or Misuse of Devices under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
“Paalala sa mga bumibili or may plano pa lang bumili ng mga SMS blaster: ito ay ipinagbabawal ng batas at kapag nahuli kayo ay talagang kayo ay makukulong (Reminder to those who are buying or planning to buy SMS blasters: this is prohibited by law and if you are caught, you will definitely be imprisoned),” Asueta said during a press briefing.
In Parañaque City, authorities entrapped “Ali,” a motorcycle taxi rider, and “Kara,” an office staff member at a parking area along Bradco Avenue on March 31.
The two previously worked for Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and allegedly kept the SMS blasters after the firms shut down to resell them for profit.
Authorities said the pair were selling three 32-port GSM model pools, commonly known as text blasters, for PHP40,000 each.
In a separate operation in Bacoor City, Cavite, on April 28, agents arrested a 30-year-old call center agent identified as “Jess” for allegedly selling two units of a 32-slot 4G text blaster for PHP20,000 each.
The ACG said Jess had been buying computer equipment and office furniture online from closed POGOs since August last year and later reselling them for profit.
Asueta said authorities continue to monitor the possible circulation of more text blasters online despite the POGO ban nearly two years ago.
“Gaano marami pa mga hinahabol na SMS blaster machines? Well, I cannot really say the exact numbers but we are monitoring at nag-conduct kami ng mga interview para malaman namin kung meron pang mga grupo na nabigyan ng mga old SMS blasters (How many SMS blaster machines are we pursuing? Well, I can’t really say the exact numbers, but we are monitoring and conducting interviews to find out if any more groups have been given old SMS blasters),” he said.
Authorities said the devices’ built-in Internet capability allows them to transmit international calls, text messages, and voice communications over a wider range. (PNA)
