The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Wednesday urged local government units to raise awareness of the public on the registration of SIM cards.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. said that the LGU — especially at the grassroots level and those who are in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas — should “fast-track the establishment of registration facilities” within 60 days after the start of the implementation of the law.

“As we seek to ensure public safety even in the online space, I encourage LGUs to exert all efforts to promote responsible use of SIM cards, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of mandatory SIM card registration and guide them through the whole registration process,” Abalos said.

He also called on local chief executives at the barangay level to assist in the registration, especially in areas where there is limited internet connection.

The DILG secretary together with the National Telecommunications Commission, Departments of Education and of Information and Communications Technology will be implementing Republic Act 11934 or Subscriber Identity Module Registration Act.

Abalos stressed that the SIM registration law will help law enforcement authorities and the Philippine National Police to “combat cybercrimes in the country” such as text spams and online fraud.

He also warned those who will provide false information in the registration that they will face charges under the law.

Registering a SIM card with false or fictitious information or using fictitious identities will be penalized with imprisonment of six months to two years, and a fine of P100,000 to P300,000.