STOCK PHOTO OF SIM CARDS

MANILA, Philippines — The number of pre-registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards confiscated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in January 2025 more than doubled the total seized in the entirety of 2024, the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said.

Data released by the ACG on Tuesday showed that the unit seized 7,900 registered SIM cards, a 240.34-percent increase from the 3,287 registered cards confiscated in 2024.

Article continues after this advertisement

According to the ACG, 38 individuals were arrested in 31 entrapment operations from Jan. 1 to 31 to curb the illegal sale of SIM cards. Among those arrested was a minor who was placed under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Robredo: LP to navigate challenging times sans Lagman NEWSINFO Vlogger cop under restrictive custody for alleged rape - PNP NEWSINFO SWS trust ratings for Marcos, Duterte continue to drop

Complaints for violating the SIM Registration Act were filed against the suspects.

house of fun 鈩?casino slots

Further, 19 of the cards seized were linked to bank accounts and e-wallets, in violation of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: PNP-ACG warns public vs buying illegally pre-registered SIM cards

Article continues after this advertisement

“We strongly urge the public to refrain from purchasing registered SIM cards and to ensure that their own SIMs are properly registered,” the ACG director, Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

“This is a vital step in preventing cyber fraud and safeguarding the public against cybercriminal activities,” he added.

READ: DICT admits gaps in SIM registration, calls for stricter implementation

Article continues after this advertisement

The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) previously acknowledged gaps in implementing the SIM Registration Act, stressing the need for stricter identity verification measures.

The Frankfurt-based central bank reduced its key deposit rate a quarter point to 3.5 percent, as expected, providing further relief to eurozone households and businesses.

The BSP said maintaining the 20 percent minimum liquidity ratio (MLR) of thrift banks is “appropriate” as this ensures that smaller lenders have enough cash to withstand potential stress events while continuing to meet the funding needs of their clients.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.milyon88

betpk READ NEXT Orthopedic surgeon Edwin Mercado is new PhilHealth president, CEO 26 nabbed; over P12 million worth of oil products seized in Ba... EDITORS' PICK DA declares food security emergency amid rising price of rice Bersamin: Budget releases more strict, transparent SWS trust ratings for Marcos, Duterte continue to drop NBA: Spurs acquire De'Aaron Fox, Kings get Zach LaVine Cocopea quits NTF-Elcac, cites academic freedom Trump’s proposed universal tariffs cast uncertainty on PH’s exports MOST READ Dela Rosa last passenger to board chopper which crashed in Nueva Ecija BSP eyes shift away from OTPs to fight fraud SWS trust ratings for Marcos, Duterte continue to drop China denies hacking phone of PH envoy to US Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments