Antiqueños welcomed the 90-day extension granted by the national government Tuesday to register their subscriber identity module (SIM) cards.

Samuel Catague, a government employee, said in an interview that the extension will give them ample time to register.

“I favor the extension so that more people could register especially the government employees who barely have time to do so,” he said.

Another government employee, Galileo Magbanua, said the extension would provide leeway, especially for those residing in remote areas where the internet or Wi-Fi connection is weak, to find a place where they can get a good signal.

“There is also a need for more information dissemination,” he added.

Eva Abajencia, an official in Barangay Bari, Sibalom town, said that she just bought two more mobile phones for her children, who will have more time to register.

National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Regional Office 6 director Leah Doromal said they are still waiting for an official announcement from head office for the extension, although they already heard the information from the media.

The NTC, through its facilitated SIM registration, has assisted 3,768 phone users in Antique.

The registration will be extended until July 25, as announced by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla after a Cabinet meeting. (PNA)