PNP to monitor cops’ SIM registration
As one of the strongest supporters for its passage into law, the Philippine National Police asked its 227,000 personnel to lead people in complying with Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Registration Act.
“I am directing all 227,000 PNP officers and rank-and-file to sign up for the ongoing mandatory national SIM registration,” said Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., chief of the PNP, ordering the PNP Directorate for Information and Communication Technology “to monitor the compliance of our personnel for this purpose.”
Part of the directive to the police personnel was also to “strongly encourage them to facilitate such act among their respective families and household members.”
Azurin also reminded all PNP force multipliers that they are required by law to register their SIMs “to keep our telecommunications secure and beyond the reach of criminal elements.”
Upon the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11934, issued by the National Telecommunication Commission thru Memorandum Circular No. 001-12-2022 on Dec. 27, all the 150 existing million subscribers are mandated to register their SIMs within 180 days, or until April 8.
Article continues after this advertisementThe registration deadline could be extended by the Department of Information and Communications Technology for up to 120 more days, or Aug. 6.
Article continues after this advertisementFailure to register the existing SIM within the period prescribed will result in the automatic deactivation of the SIM. The SIM may only be reactivated if it is registered not later than five days after its deactivation.
“Through this timely and relevant legislation, we are closing all windows of opportunity for criminal elements to take advantage by soliciting the immediate compliance to the law of all mobile phone users,” Azurin said.
The PNP noted that SIM card-aided crimes have spiked consistently year-on-year since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when people were prevented from going outside their homes, pushing criminals to shift their activities from traditional crimes to online crimes using telecommunications and cyberspace platforms.
The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group alone reported a total of 4,254 SIM card-related offenses from January to Septembe—a month before RA 11934 was signed into law by President Marcos.
Almost all, or 4,193 cases, were online scams involving electronic wallet apps, such as GCash, Paymaya and Coins.ph, while 38 were text scams, 14 bank fraud cases and nine others linked to the spread of “fake news.” INQ
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