Globe blocks 760 million scam, spam messages

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Empowering Filipinos remains a priority for Globe Telecom Inc. as it intensifies efforts to protect users online by educating the public and blocking scam-related content.

Chito Santos Maniago, Globe’s senior director and head of public relations and communications strategy under the Sustainability and Corporate Communications Group, said Globe blocked 760 million scam and spam messages in the first three quarters of 2025.

Speaking to Iloilo media on Tuesday, Maniago said Globe also deactivated 176,000 malicious mobile numbers and took down 365,000 harmful websites to help build a safer digital ecosystem.

He said digital threats are a daily reality for many Filipinos.

“‘Di mo pwedeng sabihin na napakatalino mo. Minsan madadali ka pa rin kapag nag-click ng link and it leads you somewhere. Even us who are knowledgeable, we fell prey into these scams. What more pa yung mga vulnerable sectors, like the elderly and the youth,” Maniago said.

Asked why spam and scam messages persist despite the passage of the SIM Registration Act, he said several factors—both local and foreign—contribute to the continued spread of online threats.

Republic Act 11934, or the SIM Card Registration Act, requires users to register their SIM cards before activation to help law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police, curb crimes involving digital communication.

“SIM registration is a program of the Philippine government, which we in the private sector fully support. We believe this initiative is meant to really prevent people from doing illegal activities. Kasi nga when you are properly registered, there is a name, a face, and an identity attached to a number,” he said.

Despite this, Maniago said illegal online activities persist, which is why Globe continues to collaborate with government agencies.

He said the initiative has helped curb spam and scam messages but emphasized the need for all sectors to reassess what went wrong and explore further improvements.

Scams evolving into serious threats

Maniago said scams come in many forms, with the most common involving money or fraudulent online selling.

He said more alarming cases involve child prostitution, including reports of mothers prostituting their daughters online.

“So, this is really an important and immediate threat for the Philippines. If not addressed properly and immediately, it will, unfortunately, become a huge crisis situation,” he warned.

In terms of monetary impact, Maniago said Globe is still reviewing available data.

However, citing a report on the Philippine cyber threat landscape, he said cybercrimes have caused estimated losses of around PHP 190 billion, with more than 10,000 complaints filed by victims.

Digital Thumbprint Program expands reach

To address digital threats, Globe launched the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) to educate students in schools, universities, and colleges.

The DTP is Globe’s digital citizenship and online safety initiative and offers modules and workshops on responsible digital use, inspired by a similar program in Australia.

Launched in 2016, the program aims to raise awareness of cyber risks and empower young people to use technology safely and ethically.

Recent partnerships have expanded the DTP’s reach, including an ambassador program to train student leaders.

Maniago said that in 2025, the program covered 46 schools and empowered 50,000 students with critical skills in digital citizenship.

Since its launch, the DTP has reached nearly 2 million students nationwide.

“So, it’s very important that the youth and the students are being taught what digital safety is all about—from phishing to online scamming,” Maniago said.

He said the youth are highly engaged in digital platforms and are often the primary users of mobile phones, making them an ideal audience for such training.

By educating the youth, he said they can pass that knowledge on to their families.

“That’s why my personal wish is for us to really replicate the Digital Thumbprint Program further here in Iloilo,” Maniago said.

He said Globe is coordinating with school authorities to expand the program’s reach in the region.