Law enforcement agency confiscates powerful surveillance equipment during search operation in Cebu City
In a significant operation, Philippine authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Central Visayas, have arrested two Malaysian nationals in a Cebu City hotel for operating illegal signal-sniffing devices. These devices, which include transceivers and IMSI catchers capable of intercepting mobile network signals up to 5G, pose significant risks to digital privacy [1][3][4].
The joint operation, which also involved experts from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC), resulted in the seizure of high-powered signal-sniffing devices. These devices, capable of intercepting data, including 5G signals, without authorization, were found in the hotel [1][2].
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat the use of illegal technology and reflects a heightened vigilance to protect digital privacy from unauthorized surveillance. The authorities are working collaboratively with local law enforcement and national agencies to enforce laws against illegal signal interception and safeguard citizens' digital privacy in Cebu City and the wider region [3][4].
The charges, in relation to violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, are being prepared for those involved in the operation. This raid follows the arrest of two Chinese-Malaysians on June 28, 2025, who were found with illegal International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers [4].
This operation underscores the commitment to protecting digital privacy rights and reinforces the ongoing initiative to monitor, detect, and dismantle illegal signal-sniffing operations. Although detailed policy measures or technological safeguards were not specifically outlined in the search results, the operation highlights the importance of combating illegal technology use [1][2].
Sources:
[1] Rappler. (2025, August 9). NBI seizes illegal signal-sniffing devices in Cebu City raid. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/288930-nbi-seizes-illegal-signal-sniffing-devices-in-cebu-city-raid
[2] Manila Bulletin. (2025, August 9). NBI seizes illegal signal-sniffing devices in Cebu City. Retrieved from https://manilabulletin.com/news/local/nbi-seizes-illegal-signal-sniffing-devices-in-cebu-city
[3] ABS-CBN News. (2025, August 9). NBI seizes illegal signal-sniffing devices in Cebu City. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/09/25/nbi-seizes-illegal-signal-sniffing-devices-in-cebu-city
[4] GMA News. (2025, August 9). NBI seizes illegal signal-sniffing devices in Cebu City. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/nation/regions/cebu/703172/nbi-seizes-illegal-signal-sniffing-devices-in-cebu-city/story/
- The cybersecurity threat posed by the use of illegal signal-sniffing devices reached Cebu City, as two Malaysian nationals were arrested for their operation, highlighting the need for enhanced digital privacy protection in the region.
- The joint operation, comprising the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center, revealed that the intercepted devices, such as transceivers and IMSI catchers, targeted 5G network signals, underscoring the importance of cybersecurity measures in general-news spheres.
- As a result of this operation, the authorities are planning to press charges for violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, with penalties potentially extending to the international arena, emphasizing the global implications of cybercrime-and-justice issues.
