NTC urges vigilance as the holiday rush begins: protect your phones and SIM cards from loss or theft.
DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — With the festive season drawing near and more people crowded in public spaces, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) reminds everyone to safeguard their mobile devices and SIM cards against misplacement and theft.
“On average, a lost phone or SIM card is reported each day in the Ilocos Region,” stated NTC Ilocos Public Information Officer Ana Minelle Maningding, underscoring the need to stay alert during the busy holiday period.
Maningding advised subscribers to notify their telecom provider within 24 hours of a loss or theft to prevent unauthorized access to personal accounts. Any reports submitted to the NTC are forwarded to the relevant service provider for necessary action.
To deter misuse of stolen devices, subscribers can request IMEI blocking. When a device’s IMEI is blocked, it cannot connect to any network, regardless of whether a different SIM card is used.
Requests can be filed online via the NTC website and should include a notarized affidavit, a copy of the device’s box showing the IMEI, and two valid IDs.
Subscribers can also obtain a free replacement SIM from their provider.
“Anyone demanding payment for a replacement SIM should be treated as a scam,” Maningding cautioned during PIA Pangasinan’s Pantongtongan Tayo (Pag-usapan Natin) virtual program.
NTC also advises the public to be wary of unfamiliar calls, texts, or links, noting that holiday periods typically see a rise in scams.
Keeping SIM registration current helps prevent unauthorized use and supports rapid action if something suspicious occurs. The agency emphasizes that all personal information collected for SIM registration remains confidential.
Through these precautions, the NTC aims to help people enjoy a safer, more secure holiday season.
