By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) on Tuesday said it arrested 766 individuals for various violations from January to July 2026.
In a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City, ACG chief Maj. Gen. Wilson Asueta said online selling scams were the most prevalent offense.
During the seven-month period, the PNP-ACG also rescued 149 victims and secured 81 case convictions.
“The PNP-ACG is steadfast in its mission to fortify cyber intelligence, sharpen investigative and forensic capabilities, intensify cyber patrols, and expand public awareness programs to effectively address emerging cyber threats,” Asueta said.
Meanwhile, he urged lawmakers to amend the existing Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, recommending the use of a single identification, particularly the National ID, as a requirement.
Asueta said measures intensifying identity authentication is key to prevent online criminal activities.
He suggested that only the national ID should be used in the registration process, along with biometrics, for full identity authentication.
“We are appealing to the legislators to please amend the law para madagdagan ang mga measures at gumanda ang mga ipapatupad natin hindi lang sa law enforcement but para sa public and other agencies na makatulong sa monitoring at regulations ng lahat ng mga transactions digitally. At least meron tayong maayos na (to increase the measures and improve the ones we implement, not only in law enforcement but also for the public and other agencies to assist in the monitoring and regulations of all transactions digitally. At least we have proper) identification and authenticity,” he said.
He suggested not allowing transfer of registered SIMs without proper documentation, including cancellation before replacement; limiting ownership of SIM cards to at least five per person; and monitoring the distribution and redistribution of SIM cards.
He recounted an entrapment operation in Bulacan on Aug. 24 that resulted in the arrest of 26-year-old “Junel” for selling registered SIM cards on social media. Some 400 registered SIM cards were seized from his possession.
The PNP has an ongoing collaboration with telephone companies as well as the National Telecommunications Commission and other agencies, like the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, for the implementation of the one-ID registration system. (PNA)
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