MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – If you live in the Philippines and you own an Apple, Galaxy, Samsung or Xioami smart phone with dual SIM, be prepared to surrender it to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

DICT is looking to limit SIMs to one per person, in order to decongest precious communications network space in the country.

In addition, the agency said the move will also minimize the use of smart phones in the commission of crime.

In order to help phone owners, DICT is asking phone manufacturers and dealers to replace double SIM units with a single SIM model — for free.

DICT says it will use its existing database to track SIM ownership among Filipinos. It will be recalled that a law is in place for the mandatory registration of SIM cards.