‘Tool to deter crime’: PNP backs sim card registration law

The Philippine National Police Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is supporting the measure mandating telcos to register SIM cards in a centralized database, stressing its benefits to the institution’s crime-fighting mission.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the proposed SIM Registration Act will help deter crimes as it could aid law enforcers to track criminals.

“We have seen how the criminal elements maximized the anonymity of pre-paid SIM cards, thus it was easy for them to constantly change SIM cards for communication and transaction without being identified,” he said in a statement.

According to Carlos, the PNP will be able to directly access vital information about criminals through the proposed law and help them prevent future crimes.

The PNP also noted that Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) and direct sellers will now be compelled to adhere to the provisions to avoid being penalized.

Under the measure, Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) are required to register SIM cards in a centralized database as a prerequisite to the sale and activation of SIM cards. This also includes the registration of the users’ valid ID and accomplished control-numbered registration form provided by the respective PTE.

If a person who cannot personally register for a valid reason may opt to authorize another person to buy for them but there must be a Special Power of Attorney and proper identification of the principal buyer and representative.

“We ask for the public’s cooperation as this will be an added security against those who will attempt to commit a crime against a person. The PNP sees no breach in the privacy of the information as a collection of identification has been a practice already for postpaid application,” Carlos said.

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