By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – Seven suspects were arrested for illegal online gambling during a joint operation of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the Philippine Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday.
In a press conference at Station 14 of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), PCSO Shield Chair Orlando Malaca said the operation started when an authorized agent of the PCSO was caught continuing gambling operations despite the end of its contract with the agency in July.
Malaca said such illegal activities affect PCSO’s revenues and the charity activities provided by the agency to the public.
“Kung may mawawala na papasok dapat sa kaban ng bayan, ito po ay magiging losses din po sa mga nangangailangan din po ng tulong na umaasa sa PCSO. In particular yung mga medical assistance (If revenue to the government ceases, this will also be a loss for those who rely on the PCSO. In particular those who need medical assistance),” he said.
In response, the PCSO reached out to the CICC, who coordinated with the PNP for a joint investigation and raid carried out by the QCPD Station 14.
The raid resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, the confiscation of mobile devices, and other equipment used in the illegal online gambling operation.
These suspects face charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), Presidential Decree No. 1602 (Prescribing Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling), and related statutes.
The suspects are now undergoing inquest proceedings, while the seized digital devices will undergo forensic analysis by the CICC to identify the broader network behind the operation.
During the event, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda said the operation is in fulfillment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s marching order to cleanse the country’s cyberspace of illegal activities.
“We hope to bring more cases like this within the year, especially interagency cases such as this, which show how much stronger we are when we work together,” Aguda said.
On the other hand, CICC Acting Executive Director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said such operations are carried out to protect the most vulnerable sectors of society.
“These illegal operators may seem small at first glance, but over time, their impact is significant. That is why we are relentless in pursuing them,” Paraiso said.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares witnessed the operation and lauded its success.
“This event is a clear demonstration of strong collaboration across government agencies, and a strong case for capacitating these agencies with the adequate resources they need to sustain these victories against illegal online gambling,” the lawmaker said. (PNA)
