DICT: Malaysian nabbed for text blast machine might have politician clients

The Malaysian man who was arrested for allegedly selling text blast machines may also have politicians among his clients, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said.

According to Jun Veneracion’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” the Malaysian citizen had traveled in and out of the country for allegedly selling prohibited text blast machines, which are used to send thousands of text messages without passing through a cell site.

The DICT suspected that his clients were not limited to scammers but also include politicians.

“Nahuli namin ang supplier so it’s just a matter of time na malalaman namin kanino niya binenta yan at oras na malaman namin hahabulin namin kayo. So, kung ivoluntary isurrender niyo yang equipment na yan, hindi kayo magkakakaso,” DICT Secretary Ivan Uy said.

(We arrested the suppliers so it’s just a matter of time before we discover his clients and arrest them. So, if you voluntarily surrender these, you will not face charges .)

Based on the DICT’s monitoring, the sale of text blast machines has increased as the 2025 election approaches because candidates allegedly use these devices in their campaigns.

The latest version of the machine that was recovered from the suspect costs P600,000 and unlike older versions, is smaller and portable enough to fit in a backpack.

The text blast machines can also be used for black propaganda, DICT said.

“I need to warn our candidates because we will be monitoring. Sa oras na may mamonitor kami ng mga (once we monitor) text blasters in operation, we will definitely confiscate that, file appropriate criminal charges and perhaps file whatever charges we should do even in the Comelec,” Uy said.

The DICT head also urged the public to not vote for candidates whose names appear on the text blast.

According to the DICT, scammers started using text blast machines after Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators hubs used for scamming operations were ordered closed.
—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News