PNP-ACG nabs suspect over illegal online sale of registered SIMs in Bulacan

A 26-year-old man was arrested after allegedly selling registered SIM cards online in an entrapment operation in Obando, Bulacan, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said Tuesday.

"Natunton natin ang isang tao na responsable sa pagtitinda ng mga SIM cards. So, 400 SIM cards ang nakumpiska during entrapment operations," ACG chief Police Major General Wilson Asueta said at a press briefing.

(We have traced a person responsible for selling SIM cards. So, 400 SIM cards were confiscated during entrapment operations.)

The operation was conducted on August 24.

According to the ACG, the operation stemmed from the cyber patrolling activities which monitored social media accounts allegedly involved in the illegal sale of fully verified e-wallet accounts and registered SIM cards.

The suspect identified as "Junel" had posted on Facebook offering registered SIM cards for P10 each, according to the police.

Further investigation showed that the suspect was allegedly engaged in the bulk sale of registered SIM cards.

The ACG said the suspect admitted that he personally registered some of the SIM cards using the identities of other individuals. Some of the SIM cards had already been registered when the suspect bought them from an undisclosed seller, according to the ACG.

A total of 400 registered SIM cards were seized during the operation, which will be subjected to a Warrant to Disclose Computer Data (WDCD) and further investigation.

The suspect is currently under ACG custody after undergoing inquest proceedings. He faces charges for violations of the SIM Registration Act of 2022, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Meanwhile, the ACG seeks amendments to the SIM Registration Act, including the use of the Philippine National ID as the primary means of identity verification.

SIM cards should be activated only after successful registration and identity authentication, the ACG said.

According to the ACG, a requirement should be presented for proper documentation before transferring a registered SIM to another person.

SIM ownership, the ACG said, should also be limited to five per person across telecommunications providers. — VDV, GMA News