‘SIM-aided’ crimes up almost 200% —PNP

The number of so-called "SIM-aided" crimes has nearly tripled compared to last year, ahead of the July 25 SIM registration deadline.

In Jun Veneracion's report on "24 Oras" on Tuesday, the complaint desk of the Philippine National Police's Anti-Cybercrime Group at Camp Crame is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week—and there is no day that investigators are not handling cases brought to them by cybercrime victims.

The number of cybercrime cases in Metro Manila alone rocketed 152% for the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year, from 2,477 to 6,250.

PNP ACG Director Police Brigadier General Sydney Hernia said the rise is part of a worldwide trend. "This is a natural effect of almost all people now using the internet," he said.

The ACG attributes the nearly 200% rise in SIM-aided crimes—4,104 in 2023 so far, compared to 1,415 in the same period last year—to the looming deadline for SIM registration.

""[...K]ung tumataas man it's basically because 'yung mga scammers working overtime," said ACG spokesperson Police Captain Michelle Sabino. 

The SIM Card Registration Act was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in October last year. It aims to promote accountability in the use of SIMs and end text-based and online scams—and expects to do this by regulating the sale and use of SIMs through mandated registration.

Authorities said it could be two to three months after the July 25 deadline that the law's effect may be felt. — BM, GMA Integrated News