Globe intensifies operations vs illegal ISR activities

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom has stepped up its security operations to crack down on illegal international simple resale (ISR) activities following the arrest of a number of perpetrators in key areas in Metro Manila.

ISR refers to the unauthorized routing and completing of international long-distance calls using lines, cables, antennas, and/or airwave frequency and connecting these calls directly to the local or domestic exchange facilities of the country where these are destined.

Working closely with local government units and the police, Globe reported four cases of illegal ISR activities from July to September this year.

During the arrest, ISR apparatus consisting of GSM equipment, modems, routers, laptops, antennas and thousands of used Globe SIM cards were found and recovered from various sites.

“These illegal activities have no place in the society, especially as these impact on the quality of service being provided to customers,” said lawyer Froilan Castelo, head for Globe’s Corporate and Legal Services Group.

“Globe will remain proactive and relentless in capturing ISR perpetrators nationwide through our strengthened partnerships with the police and the courts,” Castelo said.

Last July, a simultaneous raid was conducted by the District Police Intelligence and Operating Unit of the Manila Police District (MPD) and the Globe Security Group at Unit 2206-B, 22F, Makati Prime Tower on Kalayaan Street in Poblacion, Makati City and at 1694 Evangelista St., Bangkal, Makati City in compliance with the warrants of arrest issued by Judge Winlove Dumayas of the Makati RTC Branch 59.   

Arrested at the Makati Prime Tower were occupants Simon Mok, Marvin Liwanag, Ricardo Duazo, and Heizel Tungpalan, while Roderick Pantig and Sharyl Garzon were caught in Bangkal.

Another arrest was conducted last Aug. 9 at Unit 4H Tower 4, Avida Condominium in San Antonio, Sucat, Parañaque City upon the issuance of a search warrant by Parañaque Judge Gina Palamos. Korean national Kim Gyoung Hwan was held and a number of carton boxes were brought to the National Bureau of Investigation.

Two separate arrests were made in September involving a former PBA player, and Korean and Japanese nationals. On Sept. 3, another ISR-related arrest was conducted at Unit 714, 7F, Benavidez Gardenin Binondo, Manila upon the issuance of a search warrant by Judge Carolina Rivera-Colasito of Manila RTC Branch 23. The seized evidence, together with former PBL player Ryan Dy, was brought to the MPD headquarters for further investigation.

Following was another entrapment on Sept. 13 at Unit A of 1608 Alpha Grandview Condominium on M.H. del Pilar Street in Malate, Manila in compliance with a search warrant issued by Judge Silvino Pampilo Jr. of Manila RTC Branch 26.

Brought to the MPD headquarters were Koreans Kyung Sik Shin and Inseok Jeon and Japanese Iwakami Karuyuki. Eiji Taniguchi, another Japanese national and the registered owner of the unit, was not around during the raid.

The suspects face charges of violating Republic Act 8484 (Access Device Law) and/or RA 8972 (Electronic Commerce Law).