Probe SIM cards seized in POGO raids – Poe

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Grace Poe is urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to investigate whether SIM cards seized in raids on Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs were registered before the implementation of the SIM Registration Act, to determine if amendments are necessary.

Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, urged the NTC to report whether appropriate charges have been filed against violators, emphasizing that the law will not be effective if no one is held accountable.

“I think we should ask the NTC if they have already filed any charges. Because we all know that even if our laws are good and the penalties are severe if no one is getting caught, no one will be afraid. So that’s our dilemma or problem here,” Poe said over dzBB.

“On the bulk of the SIM cards seized, do we know when they were registered? Was it after the safeguards were put in place or before? That can definitely be determined, so I hope the NTC sends a representative to assist the PAOCC (Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission), as well as the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) or the PNP (Philippine National Police), in investigating these SIM cards,” Poe noted.

In January, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested two Chinese nationals suspected of illegally selling pre-registered SIM cards in violation of the SIM Registration Act or Republic Act (RA) 11934.

Authorities seized 4,000 SIMs believed to be intended for criminal activities like online phishing, romance scams and mobile phone fraud.

Poe pointed out that both the NTC and telecommunications companies have the responsibility to ensure the strict implementation of RA 11934.

Anti-POGO law

Poe expressed doubts about the passage of a law during the 19th Congress permanently banning POGOs, citing time constraints and other legislative priorities.

President Marcos recently issued an executive order banning POGOs, but Poe stressed the need for a law to make the prohibition permanent.

While several proposed measures against POGOs were filed during the 19th Congress, Poe said time constraints might hinder their passage

Poe also weighed in on Senate President Francis Escudero’s concerns about Philippine inland gaming operators.

“Senate President Escudero is right. If we banned POGOs, we should also scrutinize PIGOs. Nowadays, if you open Twitter or TikTok, you’ll see promotions for local gambling platforms,” Poe said.