Police seized 16 illegal text blaster devices and arrested a 28-year-old man in an entrapment operation in Paniqui, Tarlac.

The suspect was caught selling banned SIM-based text blasters, also known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, through online platforms.

Authorities presented the devices confiscated in a press briefing at Camp Olivas, Pampanga.

Experts confirmed the devices were used for scams and fraudulent activities.

Each text blaster costs over P100,000 and can hold up to 32 SIM cards, allowing it to send messages to more than 600 mobile numbers at once.

"Ang isang module, 32 yung SIM card... sa isang SIM card sabihin natin mga 100 cellular numbers or halimbawa 'yung linagay niyang nag-memory sa computer niya halos 100 phonebooks, pag-sinend niya, doon 100 yung magre-receive, isang SIM lang yun, sa dami nito 32, imu-multiply niya lang don yung pinaka-conservative... estimate mo, 3,200 numbers," Consultant Amos Agbuya of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said.

Authorities are now investigating whether these devices are connected to two Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs in Tarlac and Porac, which were raided last year.

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Undersecretary Alexander Ramos warned about the continued use of these illegal devices.

"We want to put a stop to this, kaya very rigid po ang kampanya ng ating kapulisan sa pangunguna ng Anti-Cybercrime Group," he said.

"We suspect that these are not brand new—mukhang residue ng mga POGO centers na nagsara na, at mukhang ito ay mga spare nila na ginagamit naman nila sa ibang paraan. We want to stop this, and we appeal to the public—kapag kayo ay nakakakita ng nagbebenta online o publiko, please immediately report to the Philippine National Police," he added.

Investigation is ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the illegal sale and use of text blaster equipment in the country.