The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) plans to propose an amendment to an existing city ordinance requiring individuals selling secondhand cellular phones to undergo police verification before completing any transaction.

Following its assessment of prevailing crime trends involving mobile phones, the QCPD identified the need to strengthen the implementation of Quezon City Ordinance No. SP-1679, S-2006, which regulates the buying, selling, and pawning of secondhand cellular phones.

"The proposed amendment seeks to address the evolving methods employed by criminal elements in disposing of stolen mobile devices and to provide additional safeguards for legitimate buyers and sellers," the QCPD said.

Under the proposal, anyone intending to sell a secondhand cellular phone would first be required to secure a Certificate of Police Record Verification from the police station with jurisdiction over the seller's residence or the place of transaction.

According to the QCPD, the verification process would include validating the seller's identity, documenting the device's identifying details, and determining through available police records whether the cellphone has been reported stolen or linked to any criminal investigation.

"If no derogatory record is found at the time of verification, the concerned police station may issue the corresponding certificate solely for the purpose of facilitating the lawful sale of the device, without prejudice to any future investigation should new evidence subsequently emerge," the QCPD added.

QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said law enforcement must strengthen preventive measures as criminals continue to adapt their methods.

He said the proposal aims to protect the public by ensuring that secondhand cellphone transactions are conducted responsibly and by preventing stolen devices from re-entering the market.

"We also urge the public to exercise caution when purchasing secondhand cellular phones, as individuals who knowingly buy, possess, or deal in stolen property may be held liable under Presidential Decree No. 1612, otherwise known as the Anti-Fencing Law," Silvio said.