325 cell phones confiscated in Manila sting

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confiscated 325 cell phones reportedly illegally sold by a Chinese and three Filipinos during a sting in San Miguel, Manila on Friday.

The operation started with a tip about the sale of cell phones without permits from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the NCRPO said.

Li Peng, Anelyn Cabiling, Rachelle Bufete, and Antonette Requiero reportedly also sold pre-registered SIM cards to individuals or companies operating online scams or illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations.

Recovered from them were 80 Redmi 125G, 60 Redmi Note 11E, 20 Redmi Note 11R, 63 Oppo and Honor phones, 50 iPhones and 52 second-hand iPhones.

Undercover police officers purchased a cell phone during a test buy on Nov. 7 and submitted the device to the commission, which said the device has no NTC approval.

The commission also issued a certification that 88 Xiny Tech, reportedly owned by the Chinese, is neither a registered mobile phone dealer nor a customer premises equipment supplier.

This prompted the NCRPO and the NTC to conduct an entrapment operation, which led to the arrest of a Chinese national and three Filipino accomplices.

The suspects are facing charges of violating Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Protection Act.