By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives have arrested two Chinese nationals for the illegal sale of pre-registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards in Parañaque City.
In a statement on Friday, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the two suspects, alias Jianbin and Yaoxin, were arrested by the Detectives Special Operations Unit (CIDG DSOU) in an entrapment inside a mall in Barangay Tambo on March 25.
Torre said the suspects were caught selling 170 pieces of assorted pre-registered Globe and Smart SIM cards, which is strictly prohibited under Sections 7 and 11(g) of Republic Act 11934 (SIM Registration Act).
He added that by selling pre-registered SIM cards, the suspects do away with the SIM registration requirement and procedure of presenting valid identification cards, credentials, and photos or face.
“The sold pre-registered SIM cards will now enjoy anonymity, no tracers of its registered owners and present users. Dito na pumapasok ang krimen, gagamitin na ang mga SIM cards na ito sa kidnapping (Crimes will come in, will use SIM cards in kidnapping), human trafficking, online or telecom fraud and scams such as the operations conducted by the illegal POGOs (Philippine offshore gaming operators) and IGLs (internet gaming licensees), and other illegal activities,” Torre said.
The suspects were charged before the National Prosecution Service for unlawful possession and misuse of pre-registered SIM cards.
He assured that the CIDG is relentless in its fight against all forms of criminality and violations of laws.
“We are steadfast in implementing the laws of the land and committed in capturing all criminals, local or foreign nationals. We are warning all criminals to stop their illegal activities because the CIDG means business,” Torre said. (PNA)
