However, in a press conference on February 14, Tan still warned the public against text scams, as many take advantage of the SIM registration by disguising themselves as representatives of the Public Telecommunications Entities (PTE) and sending malicious links that, when opened and filled out, result to a data breach.

He added that it is important to be extra cautious in opening links from unknown numbers, especially since the PTEs already provided the official SIM registration links for their respective 

Those over 18 years of age only need to bring any valid identification and their personal SIM to register, while 17 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Tan urged the public to take all available options for the SIM registration as he reminded that all unregistered SIMs, whether in card or electronic form, will be deactivated after the last day of registration on April 26.

He also emphasized that there is no limit on the number of SIMs that a single user can register, provided that the user can take responsibility and accountability for all SIMs registered under his/her name. (AAL/BPS/PIA Antique/Photo Courtesy of LGU San Remigio/Roberto Manjares, Jr.)