Philippine authorities have arrested two Chinese nationals and three Filipino citizens in connection with alleged unauthorized intelligence gathering activities involving IMSI catchers. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended Ni Qinhui and Zheng Wei, along with Filipino nationals Omar Khan Kashim Joveres, Leo Laraya Panti, and Mark Angelo Boholst Binza. The arrests follow a series of recent operations targeting illegal IMSI catcher operations in the Philippines.
The suspects were found in possession of information communications technology equipment, including IMSI catchers – devices that mimic cellular towers and can intercept metadata and track locations. These devices are particularly concerning as they can capture sensitive mobile communications data, including location information and device identifiers, from unsuspecting users within range. “Mere possession of these is already illegal,” said NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago.
The arrests followed intelligence received from the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines regarding suspicious vehicles frequenting sensitive locations in Metro Manila. These included Villamor Airbase, Camp Aguinaldo, Camp Crame, the US embassy in Manila, and Malacañang presidential palace.
NBI agent Ren Dela Cruz revealed that “thousands” of pieces of data had been gathered before the arrests. The Filipino suspects reportedly received payment of 2,500 to 3,000 pesos daily to drive through key areas with the IMSI catching equipment activated.
In response to the arrests, Malacañang has enhanced security measures around the presidential palace and other sensitive sites. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that security forces would be intensified to protect these locations. The enhanced security follows recent security incidents targeting government officials and facilities.
The suspects face charges under Republic Act 10175 (the Cybercrime Prevention Act) and Commonwealth Act No. 616 (espionage). Globe Telecom, a major telecommunications provider in the Philippines, commended the arrests, stating they should serve as a warning to those seeking to exploit telecom networks. The company has been actively working to combat various forms of telecommunications fraud and unauthorized network access.
Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Philippine military chief of public affairs, characterized the activities as “covert and unauthorized intelligence gathering” that posed a threat to national security. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about mobile surveillance and cybersecurity threats in the Philippines, where authorities have been strengthening digital security measures through initiatives like the national digital ID system.
Sources: PhilStar, Manila Bulletin, PhilStar, Tribune, Digicast Negros
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