MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) arrested three individuals in separate operations in Cavite and La Union for allegedly offering unauthorized internet services.

In the first operation, two suspects in General Trias City, Cavite, were arrested for violation of Section 4(a)(1) (Illegal Access) of Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. A third suspect was apprehended in Naguilian, La Union, for violations of Sections 4(a)(1) and 4(a)(3) (Misuse of Devices and System Interference) of R.A. No. 10175, as well as unauthorized distribution of network services in relation to Estafa under the Revised Penal Code and R.A. No. 8484 (Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998).

The operations followed a complaint filed on June 4, 2025, by a representative of an internet service provider against individuals allegedly offering internet services via a Facebook account named “RECON VERGECON.” Investigation revealed that the account offered reactivation of disconnected services, bandwidth enhancement, modem support, new subscriber connections, and speed boosting at lower prices without the company’s authority.

NBI-CCD agents conducted technical and physical tracing of the complainant’s proprietary Network Access Point, confirming that illegal activities were being carried out at a residence in General Trias City. A Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 130 in Trece Martirez.

On August 28, 2025, agents executed the WSSECD in Cavite, finding two subjects operating computers. The NBI Digital Forensics team confirmed that four MAC addresses identified by the internet service provider were present in the seized computer systems, leading to the arrest of the suspects and confiscation of the equipment.

In a follow-up operation in Naguilian, La Union, agents implemented a WSSECD on September 16, 2025, at a three-storey house in Cabaritan Sur. The operation resulted in the seizure of computer devices used to illegally distribute internet connections to multiple households without authorization.

The arrested individuals were presented for inquest proceedings for the alleged violations.

NBI Director Dante Santiago commended the agents of the NBI-CCD for their successful operations, which led to the apprehension of the suspects.