On March 27, 2025, at about 5:00 PM in Paco, Manila, operatives of the Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team (NDACT) conducted an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of a 49-year-old male, identified as alias “Popoy,” for the illegal online sale of text blaster machine.

The operation stemmed from proactive cyber patrolling by the NDACT, during which they discovered a post ON Facebook Marketplace by the suspect offering a text blaster machine for Php10,000.00. Upon engaging the suspect, it was found out that the device had been sold to him by a former POGO Hub security guard for Php5,000.00. The suspect further disclosed that he resold the unit to fund his birthday celebration.

During the operation, authorities confiscated one text blaster with eight ports and one SIM Card bank.

The suspect is facing charges for violations of Section 4(a)(5) (Misuse of Devices) of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) and Section 1 of Act No. 3846 (An Act Providing for the Regulation of Radio Stations and Radio Communications in the Philippine), as amended by RA No. 584, both in relation to Section 6 of RA No. 10175.

The operation aligns with the directive of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the PNP, to intensify cyber patrolling, combat cybercrimes, and ensure public safety in the digital environment. Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), commended the NDACT for their successful apprehension of the suspect. He also warned the public, stating, “This arrest is a strong warning against those who use such technology for malicious purposes. We urge the public to promptly report any information regarding text blasters to the PNP ACG office for immediate and appropriate action.”