PNP-ACG warns public vs buying illegally pre-registered SIM cards
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) cautioned the public against buying illegally pre-registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, after the unit seized nearly 2,300 SIM cards in one week.
“We urge everyone to avoid purchasing pre-registered SIM cards and to ensure proper registration of their SIMs,” PNP ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said in a statement released Tuesday night.
“This will help us combat fraud and protect the public from cybercrimes,” Yang added.
READ: PNP-ACG: 8 nabbed for selling registered SIM cards
Data from the police force’s anti-cybercrime unit also given Tuesday night showed 2,289 illegally registered SIM cards confiscated in eight operations from Jan. 20 to 26.
READ: NTC warns vs sale of pre-registered SIM cards
Article continues after this advertisementFurther, the group reported arresting nine suspects, including a minor who was then placed under the custody of social welfare for proper intervention.
Article continues after this advertisementThe PNP ACG has yet to provide a breakdown of the details of these operations.
The apprehended suspects face charges for violating Republic Acts 11934 and 10175 or the SIM Registration and the Cybercrime Prevention Acts, respectively.
“The PNP ACG… [is] working closely with private and government sectors to enforce the SIM Registration Act and conducting public awareness initiatives to educate citizens about the risks of selling registered SIM cards to unauthorized individuals,” the unit said in its statement.