Quezon city: The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) reported the arrest of 766 individuals for cybercrime violations from January to July 2026. During a press briefing at Camp Crame, ACG chief Maj. Gen. Wilson Asueta highlighted that online selling scams were the most common offenses.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP-ACG also managed to rescue 149 victims and secure 81 case convictions within the same period. Maj. Gen. Asueta emphasized the group's commitment to strengthening cyber intelligence, enhancing investigative and forensic capabilities, intensifying cyber patrols, and expanding public awareness programs to tackle emerging cyber threats.

Moreover, Asueta called on lawmakers to amend the existing Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act. He recommended the use of a single identification, specifically the National ID, as a requirement to bolster identity authentication and prevent online criminal activities. He suggested the use of biometrics along with the national ID in the registration process for full identity authentication.

Asueta also proposed that registered SIMs should not be transferred without proper documentation, including cancellation before replacement. He suggested limiting SIM card ownership to five per person and monitoring the distribution and redistribution of SIM cards. Asueta recounted an entrapment operation in Bulacan on August 24, which led to the arrest of a 26-year-old known as 'Junel' for selling registered SIM cards on social media, with 400 registered SIM cards seized from his possession.

The PNP continues to collaborate with telephone companies, the National Telecommunications Commission, and other agencies, such as the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, to implement a one-ID registration system.