The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) says most cybercrimes in the Philippines are still linked to SIM cards, even after the SIM Card Registration Act was passed in 2022.
PNP-ACG Director Maj. Gen. Wilson Casil Asueta reported the arrest of a suspect in Bulacan who was caught selling about 400 registered SIM cards. He said the law is not being enforced well and urged lawmakers to pass amendments.
From January to July 2026, police arrested 766 suspects for cybercrime. Most cases involved online selling scams. Authorities also rescued 149 victims and secured 81 convictions during the same period.
The agency says SIM-related crimes remain common, including scamming, online gambling, and identity exploitation. To address this, proposed reforms include:
- Using the National ID with biometrics as the only valid ID for SIM registration
- Limiting SIM ownership to five per person
- Activating SIM cards only after successful identity authentication
The current law (RA 11934) requires telcos to verify IDs, register existing SIMs, and penalize false information or illegal use. But enforcement gaps continue to allow fraud.
Also Read: PNP-ACG pushes regulatory body for social media and gaming platforms
PNP-ACG is also calling for a new regulatory body to oversee social media and gaming platforms. The agency says stricter oversight, combined with reforms to the SIM Registration Act, will give law enforcement stronger tools to fight scams and protect users online.
