On April 2, 2025, at around 6:00 PM in Pandacan, Manila, operatives from the Manila District Anti-Cybercrime Team (MDACT) conducted an entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of two male suspects for the illegal online sale of a text blaster machine.

The said operation was initiated from proactive cyber patrolling of MDACT, during which they found a post by one of the suspects on a Facebook group offering brand-new text blaster machines. Operatives engaged the seller and agreed to a package deal of five units at Php40,000.00.

During the operation, authorities confiscated a total of five devices: two 32-port, two 16-port, and one 8-port SIM-based text blasters.

The two suspects are 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 (Philippine Radio Control Law), 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 MDACT for the successful arrest of the two suspects. “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,” he also added.