Valenzuela: Operatives of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) have apprehended seven individuals involved in the illegal online sale of registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards during a coordinated three-day entrapment operation. The operations took place across various locations, including Valenzuela, Cainta (Rizal), North Edsa Highway (Quezon City), and Pedro Gil and Ermita (Manila).
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP ACG chief Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga stated that he directed cybercops to perform cyber patrolling and online investigations, leading to the engagement and subsequent arrest of the online sellers between November 3 and 5. The operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 400 registered SIM cards, which were being sold at prices ranging from PHP14 to PHP3,500.
In a separate interview, ACG spokesperson Lt. Wallen Mae Arancillo explained that these SIM cards could be used for fraudulent activities, such as text scams or creating social
media accounts for scamming purposes. ‘During the ACG probe, there was a bulk order or sale of registered SIM cards that started last year. And some of the individuals that we have arrested have only been starting for two months since it was observed on the Facebook page that there are many patrons or interested in buying registered SIM card,’ she told reporters.
Arancillo further elaborated that the investigation revealed higher prices for SIM cards linked to verified accounts of payment service providers, as these could be exploited for money transfers, cash transactions, and even borrowing money. ‘According sa investigation, mas mahal kapag yung SIM card ay nakalink doon sa verified account ng payment service provider kasi maaaring gamitin sa pag transfer, cash in cash out, and also pag loan ng pera,’ she said.
The suspects are facing charges for violating Republic Act 12010, known as the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), and Section 7 (Subsequent Sale of Registered SIM Cards) of RA 11934, or
the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
In the meantime, Cariaga issued a reminder to the public that the illegal online sale of SIM cards is punishable by law, entailing significant fines and imprisonment. ‘This is just the beginning of a series of operations targeting the illegal online sale of registered SIM cards. We will continue our cyber patrols and investigations until these cybercriminals are apprehended and brought to justice,’ Cariaga asserted.
‘If you have any information regarding the illegal online sale of registered SIM cards, please report it immediately to the PNP-ACG hotlines, Facebook page, or email address for prompt action,’ he urged.
