Quezon City police display a recovered OPPO Reno 12 cellphone on June 14, underscoring their push for tighter safeguards against the resale of stolen devices. (Photo courtesy of QCPD)
Quezon City police want sellers of secondhand cellphones to secure police verification before any sale, under a proposed amendment to a local ordinance aimed at stopping stolen devices from circulating.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said the measure seeks to amend Ordinance No. SP 1679, Series of 2006, which regulates the buying, selling, and pawning of secondhand cellphones.
Police officials noted that mobile phone-related crimes remain prevalent, underscoring the need to tighten safeguards and prevent stolen units from being resold.
Under the proposal, anyone intending to sell a secondhand cellphone must first obtain a Certificate of Police Record Verification from the police station with jurisdiction over their residence or the place of transaction.
The process involves confirming the seller’s identity, recording the phone’s details, and checking police records to determine if the device has been reported stolen or linked to a criminal case.
If no derogatory record is found, the police station may issue the certificate to allow the lawful sale.
QCPD director Police Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said the measure is designed to deter theft, fencing, and the circulation of unlawfully acquired mobile devices while promoting transparency in secondhand transactions.
“As criminals continue to adapt their methods, law enforcement must likewise strengthen preventive measures. This proposal seeks to protect the public by ensuring that secondhand cellphone transactions are conducted responsibly and that stolen devices are prevented from re entering the market,” Silvio said.
He also reminded buyers to exercise caution, warning that those who knowingly purchase or deal in stolen property may face charges under Presidential Decree No. 1612, or the Anti Fencing Law.
The QCPD stressed that it remains committed to pursuing responsive strategies to combat crime, protect consumers, and uphold public safety in Quezon City.