Erring cell phone traders face stiff penalties — NTC

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) urged business establishments engaged in the sale, purchase and servicing of cell phones to secure necessary permits from the agency or face severe penalties and fines.

In a dialogue with cell phone dealers and operators of repair shops over the weekend, NTC Commissioner Ronald Solis cautioned retailers against sourcing their units from unauthorized dealers or suspected smugglers.

Solis also warned retailers of second-hand phones that could be charged with violation of the anti-fencing law if they sold units which are stolen or undocumented.

The NTC and the Philippine National Police (PNP) initiated the dialogue with business establishments engaged in the cell phone trading to establish guidelines for their operation and prevent retailers from being used as "dumping grounds" for stolen units.

"Business establishments engaged in the sale, purchase, retail and servicing of cell phones are advised to secure necessary permits and licenses from the NTC regional offices before they can legally engage in the cell phone trade and servicing," Solis said.

Failure to do so could result in confiscation of units and closure of the establishment on top of heavy fines.

Last month, the NTC and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) conducted raids on stalls located in six Metro Manila malls, confiscating at least 180 undocumented cell phones.

Director Delilah Deles, of the NTC-National Capital Region, said the raids have resulted in a significant drop in the number of cell phone snatching incidents in Metro Manila.

During the dialogue held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Camp Crame, Chief Superintendent Napoleon Cachuela, NCRPO deputy for operations, emphasized that "market denial" or refusal to buy used cell phones with suspicious origin or from questionable sources would help bring down cell phone snatching incidents further.

"When buying second hand units, mobile phone dealers should make sure they come from legitimate sources and seek proof of ownership while getting the identity of the seller and contact address of the same," Cachuela pointed out.

Solis called on mall owners to organize and assist cell phone shops in registering with the NTC.

The NTC chief also advised the public to purchase cell phones only from NTC-authorized retailers and resellers and to have their units repaired only at duly authorized service centers.

Solis said owners of units that have been lost or stolen should report to the NTC and have their units "blocked" to prevent their continued use.

In the two-hour dialogue, cell phone dealers agreed to abide by the NTC circular on the resale of pre-owned cell phones and to strict adhere to the rules and regulations pertaining to the anti-fencing law.