MANILA - In a significant crackdown on illegal telecommunications activities, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) apprehended a Chinese national and three Filipino accomplices in Manila. The arrests were made in the San Miguel district on November 15 for the unauthorized selling of mobile phone devices.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation was initiated due to the illegal distribution and sale of mobile phones without the necessary permits from the NTC. The individuals arrested were identified as Chinese national Le Peng (alias Devin) and Filipinos Anelyn Cabiling, Rachelle Bufete, and Antonnette Hernandez. The NCRPO news release indicated that the suspects were also allegedly involved in selling pre-registered SIM (subscriber identity module) cards, which were linked to online scamming activities and illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
During the arrest, authorities seized 11 boxes containing 265 assorted mobile phones, along with two pieces of genuine powder-dusted PHP1,000 bills in a white envelope and boodle money amounting to PHP200,000. The suspects have been charged with violating the Consumer Protection Act (Republic Act 7394).
NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez stated that the operations against such schemes have been intensified to combat the threats of online scamming, illegal POGO operations, and other illicit activities.
In a related incident in Barangay Olympia, Makati City, a 56-year-old suspected gunrunner was arrested on Thursday with 13 high-powered firearms. The suspect, identified as Juanito Tanghal, was apprehended at a gas station at the corner of J.P. Rizal and Calasanz Streets. Police conducting surveillance in Barangay San Isidro followed Tanghal as he was loading the firearms onto his pickup truck. Tanghal claimed that he was merely transporting the firearms for a friend, who assured him that all the firearms were licensed.