Manila, Feb. 4 -- Operatives of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) have arrested 38 persons for illegal online sale of registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards in January 2025, a police official said Tuesday.

In a statement, PNP-ACG Acting Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the 38 individuals were arrested in 31 entrapment operations from Jan. 1 to 31 to curb the illegal sale of SIM cards.

Among those arrested was a minor who is now placed under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for proper intervention, Yang said.

The ACG also seized 7,900 registered SIM cards, including 19 that were already linked to e-wallets and bank accounts.

The arrested suspects faced charges ...