By Tracy Cabrera
CAMP CRAME, Quezon City — Citing the increasing number of internet and online crimes, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is urging Congress to give the SIM Card Registration Act more ‘teeth’ in order for it to be actually effective in curbing cybercrime.
According to the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), “the implementation of the SIM Card registration law has obviously been ineffective so new provisions are needed.”
In a statement, ACG director Major General Wilson Asueta, disclosed that majority of cybercrimes are rooted in SIM cards and loopholes in the law which enable online criminals to get through the registration process.
“Measures intensifying identity authentication are key to preventing and pinpointing online criminals from committing acts of swindling,” Asueta pointed out.
The ACG chief likewise suggested that only the national identification (ID) system should be used in the registration process along with biometrics for full identity authentication.
He also proposed not allowing the transfer of registered SIMs without proper documentation that include cancellation before replacement.
“We also need to limit SIM card ownership to at least five per person across public telecommunication entities. Not an excessive amount. We also need to monitor the distribution and redistribution of SIM cards. They shouldn’t just be scattered around for you to buy in the market or anywhere else,” he added.
To date, the PNP is coordinating with telephone companies, as well as the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and other concerned agencies like the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), to push for the implementation of the one-ID registration system.
In ending, Asueta warned the public to avoid selling registered SIMs as the owner could be subjected to an investigation once the number is used for online crimes.
