The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said it has arrested 766 suspects for cybercrime violations from January to July 2026. Most cases involved online selling scams, which are the top cybercrime in the country.
Police also rescued 149 victims and secured 81 convictions during the same period. The PNP-ACG said it is boosting cyber intelligence, investigations, patrols, and awareness programs to fight rising threats.
Maj. Gen. Wilson Asueta called on lawmakers to amend the SIM Registration Act. He proposed using the National ID with biometrics as the only requirement for SIM registration. Other reforms include banning the transfer of registered SIMs without documents, limiting SIM ownership to five per person, and monitoring SIM distribution.
On August 24, police carried out an entrapment operation in Bulacan. A 26-year-old suspect was arrested for selling registered SIM cards online. Authorities seized 400 SIMs during the raid.
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The PNP is working with telcos, the National Telecommunications Commission, and other agencies to roll out a one-ID registration system. The goal of these measures is to reduce fraud and improve online safety.
