by Glacetene Kayl N. Daba
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–With the rise of fraudulent scams and threats sent through text messages, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)-10 encourages nationwide users to register SIM cards before April 26, 2023.
“Ang purpose ug ang tinguha nato ani nga balaod kay para sa safety ug protection nato nga mga subscribers (The purpose of this law is to ensure safety and protection of our subscribers),” Engr. Vixter Abaday of NTC-10 said during the Lambo Dyes radio program, January 13.
The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, also known as RA 11934, took effect on December 27, 2022, and requires all mobile subscribers to register within 180 days after President Ferdinand “BongBong” R. Marcos, Jr. signed the bill into law.
“So as of now, naa’y figure nga out of 170 million subscribers as of January 12, 2023, naa’y 18.5 million ang nakarehistro pa, which is around 11% pa lang. So gamay pa gyud kaayo siya nga nakarehistro, 11% pa lang nationwide,” he said.
(So as of now, out of 170 million subscribers, as of January 12, 2023, there are only 18.5 million who are registered, which is around 11% only. So there’s still less people who are registered, only 11% nationwide)
Abaday also mentioned that the DICT regulations state that if there are still a majority of users who aren’t able to register on or before April 26, then it is possible that there would be an extension for another 120 days.
He also responded to concerns about data privacy, the deactivation or loss of registered SIM cards, and the inability to access an internet connection.
“Ang kining mga telcos nato ang ga-collect lang kanang pwede mu-handle sa atong data, ang mga telcos lang gyud. So wala’y lain gitagaan og authority, any person or even another government agency nga mu-handle sa inyong data or mu-collect sa inyong data. So it’s only the telcos nga pwede mu-collect ug mag-store sa atong data,” he said adding that there are corresponding penalties of offenses given to those who violate the regulations together with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
(Telecom companies collect the data and are authorized to handle it; no person or government agency is authorized to handle or collect your data. The telcos are the only ones allowed to collect and store the data)
As for any loss or changes of SIM information, Abaday said users need to inform the NTC or telcos for immediate action.
Despite difficulties encountered, NTC continues to urge users to register before April 26 in order to avoid heavy traffic on websites and deactivation of SIM cards for existing subscribers. (GKD/PIA-10)
