By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Two individuals selling a loose firearm, and a text and voice blaster machine online were arrested separately in Quezon City and Tarlac province, the Philippine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said on Wednesday.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP-ACG chief, Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said “Sonny,” 31, was arrested by operatives Tarlac Provincial Cyber Response Team (PCRT) and the Paniqui Municipal Police Station in an entrapment for the illegal online sale of an SMS blaster device on Sept. 3 in Paniqui, Tarlac,
Yang said the operation was launched after the Tarlac PCRT discovered the suspect’s Facebook post selling a 16-port GSM Gateway (Text and Voice Blaster Machine) for PHP27,000.
Further investigation revealed that the item allegedly originated from equipment pulled out of a defunct Philippine offshore gaming operator hub and was later sold to the suspect online by a Chinese national.
Upon coordination with National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), it was confirmed that the confiscated item is a high-end device with Wi-Fi and call capabilities, distinguishing it from other text blaster machines previously seized from past operations.
Due to its built-in internet feature, the device has a wider range, enabling it to reach international calls, text, and voice communications.
Yang said the suspect is facing charges for violation of Section 4(a)5 (Misuse of Device) of Republic Act (RA) 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
“This operation reflects our commitment to safeguarding the public from cybercriminals who exploit technology for illegal activities. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report suspicious online transactions to the authorities to prevent cyber-enabled crimes,” said Yang.
Loose firearm in QC
In Quezon City, Yang said “Binoy,” 24, was arrested by Cyber Response Unit (CRU) in an entrapment on Sept. 3.
The suspect also advertised the firearm on Facebook for an initial price of PHP25,000.
After a series of conversations, the suspect agreed to sell the firearm for PHP20,000 and arranged to deliver the item in exchange for the payment.
Seized from the suspect were one 9-mm pistol, two magazines, and 12 live rounds of ammunition, which will be presented as evidence in court.
The suspect is facing charges for violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act).
“Using the internet to traffic illegal firearms poses a serious threat to public safety. We are intensifying our efforts to track down and stop those who exploit digital platforms for criminal activity,” Yang said. (PNA)
