An operation conducted by the NCRPO Regional Intelligence Special Operations Office (RISOO) led to the arrest of Arnold Bala, 30, systems administrator and Rene Fernandez, 31, computer programer, both of Planet Internet Corporation/Mercury One.
RISOO head Superintendent Federico Laciste Jr. reported that several pieces of computer hardware were confiscated from the two companies which will be used as evidence against them.
Based on the report of the RISOO, the two companies were involved in creating illegal gateway connections brought about by unauthorized tapping of PLDT lines.
The RISOO discovered the activities of the two companies while pursuing the Philippine National Police-wide campaign against international terrorists.
It was revealed that the illegal gateway connections were being used by international terrorists as their primary medium for communication because there is no cost on their part and it is difficult to trace.
Telecommunications service providers such as PLDT are said to be losing a lot of money from the illegal activity of the cyber pirates.
The first operation was conducted at the offices of the Worldwide Web Corporation, located inside the IBM Plaza Building, Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City.
Three computer sets with peripherals and assorted records and documents were seized from the company during the operation.
The second operation was conducted at the offices of Planet Internet Corporation/Mercury One located at the Orient Square Building, Emerald Avenue, Pasig City. Several modems, routers, computer sets, multiplexes, PABX switching equipment, software and documents were confiscated from the company. – Marvin Sy