DILG urges LGUs to lead SIM card registration drive

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday urged local government units (LGUs) to raise awareness about the registration of SIM cards in the country.

In a statement yesterday, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos urged LGUs at the grassroots level, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, to “fast-track the establishment of registration facilities” within 60 days from Dec. 27.

“As we seek to ensure public safety even in the online space, I encourage LGUs to exert all efforts to promote responsible use of SIM cards, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of mandatory SIM card registration and guide them through the whole registration process,” Abalos said.

He urged local chief executives at the barangay level to assist in the registration, especially in areas where there is limited internet connection.

The DILG secretary said the department will coordinate with the National Telecommunications Commission, Departments of Education and of Information and Communications Technology, to implement Republic Act 11934 or Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act.

Abalos said the SIM registration law will help law enforcement authorities and the Philippine National Police to “combat cybercrimes in the country” such as text spams and online fraud.

The secretary warned those who will provide false information in the registration that they will face charges under the law.

Registering a SIM card with false or fictitious information or using fictitious identities will be penalized with imprisonment of six months to two years, and a fine of P100,000 to P300,000.

Meanwhile, spoofing a registered SIM will be penalized with six years jail time or a P200,000 fine.

“I encourage every Filipino to register their SIM cards and be one with the government in fighting text and online scams which are becoming more prevalent in recent years,” Abalos said.