DILG urges LGUs to raise awareness, encourage public to register SIM cards

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday urged local officials to raise awareness and encourage their constituents to register their SIM cards starting December 27.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. said local government units (LGUs) will play a critical role in informing the public, adding that a massive information drive must be launched in the grassroots to educate mobile subscribers on the importance and requirements of the SIM Card Registration Act..

“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 in a press statement.

He said the SIM Registration Act will aid the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement authorities in curbing rising electronic communication-aided criminal activities in the country such as mobile phishing, text spam, online scams, bank frauds, and identity theft.

Last week, the National Telecommunications Commission released the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11934, or the SIM Registration Act after it was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in October.

Subscribers have 180 days starting December 27 to register their new and existing SIM card. SIM cards that will not be registered will be deactivated.

To register, mobile subscribers should submit an accomplished form through a database platform or website provided by the telco company containing the following: full name, birthday, sex, address, mobile SIM number, and serial number, and valid identification cards (for individuals); business name, business address and the full name of authorized signatory (for businesses and other juridical entities); full name, nationality, birthday, passport, proof of Philippine address, return ticket to own country (for foreigners and tourists).

Minors, meanwhile, shall register their SIMs under the name of their parents or guardians. They will be required to present an ID and consent form.

As for far-flung areas with no internet access, Abalos said he tapped the assistance of local chief executives and barangay captains to process the needed documents and other requirements to set up registration centers there.

“We know not everyone has access to the internet and other means of communication so let us reach out to them and inform them of this new law,” he said.

The DILG chief also warned individuals who will attempt to provide false or fictitious information and documents in registering their SIMs.

Those who will register a SIM card with false or fictitious information or using fictitious identities will face six months to two years imprisonment and a fine of P100,000 to P300,000 while while those spoofing will be subject to six years jail time or/and a fine of P200,000.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News