Guamanians who have mobile phone numbers they use when traveling to the Philippines for business or pleasure will have to register their SIM cards or the numbers will be deleted.

In an effort to curb the proliferation of text scams and spam and other online fraud in recent years, a new philippine law went into effect Dec. 27 requiring that all mobile device sim cards be registered.

Major telcos such as globe and smart have set up web portals where customers can register. Public information campaigns are underway to advise and assist customers on the process.  Registration will require input of identification information, which the government says will be protected and remain confidential.

Online registration is a relatively simple process, although there were reports that online sites were overwhelmed when it first became available Tuesday. The deadline to register is April 26, 2023.  If you fail to register by then, your sim will be deactivated permanently.

Any sim cards sold as of Dec. 27 will only be activated once the sim buyer registers it in the authorized registration platforms.

Foreign tourists must still register their Philippine sim cards which will only be valid for 30 days. Complete information is available on your service provider's website.