Globe Telecom has donated IMSI-catcher detection devices to key government agencies as part of efforts to combat mobile-based scams, particularly those involving fake base stations used to send fraudulent SMS messages.
The recipients include the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The equipment is designed to detect and locate unauthorized signal activity, including illegal mobile infrastructure such as IMSI catchers — devices that mimic legitimate cell towers to intercept communications or send scam messages. These operations typically run outside telecom networks, making them difficult to track.
Authorities said the detectors will allow real-time identification of rogue base stations, enabling faster enforcement and broader monitoring, especially in high-risk and densely populated areas.
“The threats we are seeing today operate at a deeper level, and addressing them requires stronger systems and closer coordination,” said Froilan Castelo, Globe’s group general counsel.
“We see it as our responsibility not only to provide connectivity, but to make sure that it remains safe and secure for every Filipino who relies on it.”
“What this initiative enables is visibility where it matters most,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s chief AI officer and chief information security officer.
“By detecting unauthorized signal activity, we can support faster investigation and response, which is critical in addressing threats like fake base stations.”
The move comes amid increasing use of fake cell sites to bypass network-level safeguards and directly reach users with scam messages.
Globe said the initiative builds on its existing anti-fraud measures, including the removal of clickable links from official SMS advisories and the blocking of person-to-person text messages containing links.
It also rolled out the SMS Scam Shield feature on its GlobeOne app to help filter spoofed sender IDs and phishing attempts.
The company reported blocking more than 967 million scam and spam messages in 2025 and deactivating over 244,000 SIM cards linked to fraudulent activity.
Globe said it continues to coordinate with regulators and law enforcement to share threat intelligence and strengthen enforcement.
“Every scam message is not just a digital threat. It affects real people, their finances, their safety, and their peace of mind,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s chief sustainability and corporate communications officer.
“That is why efforts like this matter. It strengthens our ability to detect threats earlier, respond faster, and most importantly, protect Filipinos in a more coordinated way.”
