PNP expects SIM card registration will reduce cybercrime cases

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday expressed confidence the registration of SIM cards with telecommunications firms could help address issues on online scams and hacking, among others.

PNP Public Information Office chief Police Colonel Red Maranan made the remark when asked in a Super Radyo dzBB interview how the implementation of the SIM Card Registration Act would help the PNP in dealing with cybercrimes.

“Pagdating naman sa kriminalidad, kami ay umaasa talaga, ang PNP na itong registration ng SIM card ay malaki ang maitutulong nito sa pagsawata sa mga krimen na nangyayari sa cyberspace lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga online scam, mga hacking, identity theft,” he said.

(When it comes to criminality, the PNP expects that the SIM card registration will help a lot in combatting crimes committed in cyberspace, especially online scams, hacking, and identity theft.)

“Even ‘yung cellphone snatching, baka mawala po ‘yan kapag talagang fully implemented na ang sim card registration,” he added.

(Even the snatching of cellphones may be gone when the SIM card law is fully implemented.)

Maranan said PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. ordered all PNP personnel and employees to immediately register their SIM cards. 

Earlier, the PNP threw its support for the SIM Card Registration Act, saying the measure would aid authorities in tracking criminals during an investigation, without violating personal privacy. 

The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the SIM Card Registration Act took effect on Tuesday, December 27, mandating all public telecommunications entities (PTEs) to establish their own registration platform where they will get users onboard upon presenting valid identification cards.

Users are given 180 days to register, or risk having their SIM cards deactivated. —LBG, GMA Integrated News