By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Operatives of Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) have arrested in Cavite province two unauthorized dealers selling 1,000 registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards online.
At a press briefing held at Camp Crame on Thursday, PNP-ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said suspects “Kaye,” 23, and “Roy,” 27, were both arrested during an entrapment operation on Wednesday in Imus town.
During the operation, the ACG seized the 1,000 registered SIM cards which the suspects reportedly bought for PHP15 each. The SIM cards were being sold online for PHP20 each.
“The SIM cards seized are possibly being used for text blaster machines. The illegal sale of registered SIM cards undermines our efforts to trace and prevent cybercrimes. These cards often end up in the hands of scammers and fraudsters,” Yang told reporters.
The ACG chief also said they are now coordinating with various telecom companies for an investigation.
Both suspects are facing charges for violation of Section 7 of Republic Act (RA) 11934 (SIM Registration Act of 2022) in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
Yang commended the ACG operatives for their successful operation. He also encouraged the public to report such posts or offers to the authorities.
“We call on the public to support the enforcement of the SIM Registration Act by refusing to participate in these illegal activities and reporting violators to the nearest ACG office,” Yang added. (PNA)
