Illegal distributors and sellers of Globe WiMax in Cebu arrested

Four illegal distributors and sellers of Globe WiMAX modems were arrested recently in a joint entrapment operations conducted by the Globe Security team and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cebu City. Ian Niel Abenir, 24, and Dominic Zabala, 19, were caught selling cloned WiMax modems at a popular mall in Cebu for a one-time payment of P3,500 in exchange for unlimited broadband service. More details after the jump.

Follow-up operations made in the afternoon of the same day led to the arrest of Paolo Lacaron, 40, supposed distributor of the modems, and his 17-year old helper.

A total of six WiMax modems were recovered from the suspects who admitted to having sold around 50 units already in Cebu and Leyte. The serial numbers of the modems will be subjected to forensic examination by Globe technical team to determine their origin and source.

"We would like to advise our subscribers to be wary of unscrupulous persons who may lure them with cheap prices for Globe products and services but may cause them a lot of problems in the end. We encourage everyone to instead transact only with legitimate sellers and distributors or go directly to any of the numerous Globe Stores nationwide," said Atty. Froilan M. Castelo, Head of Globe Corporate and Legal Services Group.

He added that Globe continues to work with local government agencies and the police forces to protect the subscribers and ensure that they only get quality services and after-sales support from Globe.

The suspects are now detained at Camp Sotero, Cabahug, Cebu City and are charged with theft and violation of R.A. 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998.

To date, over 120 WiMax modems have been recovered by Globe since entrapment operations began in 2010. The most rampant cases of illegal WiMax selling and distribution are in NCR, Cavite, Laguna, Baguio City, Cebu, Bohol City.

To apply for a Globe WiMAX connection, subscribers only need to bring a valid ID, most recent billing statement, and proof of financial capacity. They can choose between an internet-only package or a bundled internet and landline package.

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