Cavite: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported the arrest of three individuals in separate operations in Cavite and La Union for offering unauthorized internet services.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) apprehended two suspects in General Trias City, Cavite, for violating Republic Act (RA) 10175, known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Another suspect was arrested in Naguilian, La Union, for violations of Section 4(a)(1) and Section 4(a)(3) of RA 10175, which covers misuse of devices and system interference, as well as for the unauthorized distribution of network services. These charges were made in relation to Estafa under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and RA 8484, the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998.

The arrests followed a complaint from a representative of an internet service provider (ISP) who reported individuals allegedly offering internet services via a Facebook account called ‘RECON VERGECON’. The account was promoting services like reactivation of disconnected internet connections, bandwidth enhancement, modem support, and speed boosting at reduced prices without the ISP’s authorization.

NBI-CCD agents carried out technical and physical tracing of the ISP’s proprietary Network Access Point, confirming that illegal activities were taking place at a residence in Barangay Parklane Country Homes, General Trias City, Cavite. The NBI secured a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD), granted by the Trece Martires Regional Trial Court Branch 130.

On August 28, NBI-CCD agents conducted a raid at the identified residence in General Trias City, resulting in the arrest of two suspects. A subsequent operation on September 16 led to the arrest of another suspect in Naguilian, La Union, after unauthorized activities were traced to ISP’s IP addresses and modems in that location.