Illegal Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards worth over P1 million were seized in an entrapment operation in Iloilo City.

Operatives of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) 6 conducted the entrapment operation in Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City on April 26, 2025.

The suspect was identified only as alias “James,” 27 years old, and is from the Province of Leyte.

According to Police Colonel Timmar Alam, RACU 6 commander, in an interview with GMA Super Radyo Iloilo, each SIM card is sold at ₱500, or excessively pricey compared to the suggested retail price of from ₱50 to ₱100. 

Alam said that the suspect was placed under a two-week surveillance after authorities learned the suspect sells illegal SIM cards via an online marketplace.

The operatives placed an order from him of about 5,000 pieces of SIM cards, but the suspect said he can only bring 3,000 pieces from Cebu to Iloilo City.

However, the actual count was only at 2,500 pieces worth P1,250,000.

Alam underscored there is high possibility that the illegal SIM cards might be used during the elections, especially in vote buying and vote selling as the cards bear false names of persons.

The suspect is charged for violation of Republic Act (RA) 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Act in line with RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Following the entrapment, RACU 6 reminds the public to be vigilant always about illegal activities on cyberspace.

RACU 6 has called on the public to report to their office immediately any suspicious activities online for prompt action.