Poll bets warned: Using text blasters is illegal

INFORMATION and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy warned that the agency would go after candidates who used text-blasting machines or international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers to boost their campaign. Uy made the statement after the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested a Malaysian in Parañaque City for selling the prohibited items online. "I need to warn our candidates because we will be monitoring. We can trace anyone using text blasters for certain candidates," Uy said. The DICT official said that they would file charges against candidates. "We will definitely confiscate [the equipment] and file appropriate criminal charges. It's a warning to all candidates," he added. IMSI catchers mimic cell towers and convince nearby phones to connect to them, thus allowing for the collection of IMSI numbers. Uy said IMSI catchers could be used for text blasts, giving candidates an advantage by reaching a larger audience. "In the past elections, we saw that IMSI catchers were used for text blasting, and before, these equipment were used by politicians, especially for elections purposes. They become hot items during elections," he told reporters. "We would like to remind candidates that these equipment are illegal, they are not licensed, they are subject to confiscation and criminal prosecution if you possess these devices," Uy said. He advised the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities, such as individuals wearing backpacks who appear restless or vehicles repeatedly circling an area.