PNP-ACG nabs 17 for illegal online sale of scam devices

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested 17 individuals in six months for the illegal online sale of text blasters and signal jammers.

These arrests resulted from eight entrapment operations conducted between December 20, 2024, and July 31, 2025.

During these operations, 39 text blasters, an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catcher, and five signal jammers worth P1.129 million were confiscated.

PNP-ACG chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang stated that these devices are used for various scams to lure citizens into divulging personal data, bank account, and credit card information.

Recently, on July 20, authorities confiscated 11 text blaster devices from defunct Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies in Taguig City, arrested from a 36-year-old man selling them online.

Yang confirmed that individuals involved lacked the necessary authority from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to possess or sell these prohibited devices.