The Philippine National Police (PNP) is advocating for stricter provisions within the SIM Card Registration Act to strengthen national efforts against cybercrime and online illegal offenses.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the law enforcement agency is prepared to partner with legislators and relevant stakeholders to evaluate the existing statute and recommend measures that would enhance the suppression of cybercriminals.
“Innovations in digital technology are fast evolving and we really need to keep up with more efficient and effective approaches in running after illegal activities and eventually make cyberspace safe for every Filipino,” Nartatez said.
The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group previously pointed out weaknesses in the implementation of the SIM Card Registration Act, emphasizing that statutory loopholes must be closed to improve its capacity to deter and resolve offenses.
Nartatez affirmed that key PNP divisions stand ready to partner with lawmakers during the legislative review, adding that the police organization will supply critical data and empirical insights to guide the proposed revisions.
“The PNP is ready to provide its insights and data that will push for the amendment of the law, making it more effective when it comes to crime prevention,” he said.
Even as potential legislative changes undergo review, the PNP confirmed that active law enforcement operations against mobile-driven criminal activities and cyber-offenses will proceed without interruption.
Nartatez pledged to maintain the heightened momentum against digital crime and instructed specialized operational units to scale up enforcement against both the black-market trade of SIM cards and the deployment of unregistered SIMs in unlawful operations.