MANILA — Authorities on Monday seized more than a dozen international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers, purportedly used for text blasting, which is often exploited in scamming activities, in Tarlac province.

An initial report from the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group indicated the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect in an entrapment operation along Burgos Street, Barangay Poblacion Norte, Paniqui town.

At least 16 SIM-based text blasters were confiscated from the suspect's possession.

An IMSI catcher — commonly known as a “stingray,” rogue cell tower, fake cell tower, cell site simulator, or dropbox — works by imitating a legitimate cell tower and tricking nearby phones into connecting to it.

Once connected, the device can collect the IMSI numbers of mobile phones, allowing it to track their location and activity, as well as intercept text messages, calls, and data traffic.

This device can also be used for mass SMS broadcasting without the need for a database, SIM card, or WiFi.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) earlier warned that IMSI catchers could be operating in public spaces, tracking and intercepting mobile phone communications.

DICT warns of 'rogue cell towers' in public spaces

Earlier this month, police also seized an IMSI catcher from a former security guard of an offshore gaming operator in Pasay City. 

A Malaysian national was also arrested in January for the possession of the illegal device.

Philippines arrests Malaysian tagged in text scams 

Police seize text blaster machine from ex-POGO guard