He stressed that the data from the SIM card holders will be treated with the utmost confidentiality in compliance with the law, noting that the TelCos will face sanctions and penalties for unauthorized disclosure of the data gathered.

Tan also encouraged the vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disabilities to register during the NTC-Facilitated SIM registration in the municipalities as an express lane will be provided to them.

In San Remigio town, Mayor Margarito C. Mission, Jr. was one among those who registered their SIM cards.

NTC has initially scheduled four municipalities for their Facilitated SIM card registration in Antique, namely Pandan, San Remigio, Valderrama and Barbaza.

A team from Philippine Statistics Authority undertaking the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration   is also present during the event to register those who were not able to register with PhilSys.

Meanwhile, Tan reiterated the call to those who have not registered, to do so, in order to avoid rush during the deadline, and worst, the deactivation of their SIM cards after April 26, 2023, as provided under Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Registration Act. (JBG/PSM/PIA_Antique)