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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Inter-agency operation leads to arrest of seven in illegal online gambling bust

Inter-agency operation leads to arrest of seven in illegal online gambling bust

DICT, PCSO, and PNP nab suspects in Quezon City gambling raid

Published Sep 12, 2025 01:15 pm
Seven suspects were arrested in a Quezon City raid as DICT, PCSO, and PNP cracked down on illegal online gambling operations in line with Marcos’ directive. (Photo from Unsplash)
Seven suspects were arrested in a Quezon City raid as DICT, PCSO, and PNP cracked down on illegal online gambling operations in line with Marcos’ directive. (Photo from Unsplash)
In a major crackdown on illegal online gambling, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), apprehended seven suspects allegedly running unauthorized gambling operations in Quezon City and Batasan.
CICC, in a statement, said the raid stemmed from a formal complaint filed by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Shield Department, under the directive of PCSO General Manager Mel Robles.
The case was built in close collaboration with the PCSO, which led to a successful Quezon City raid conducted by Philippine National Police (PNP) Station 14 (Holy Spirit), headed by Station Commander Police Lieutenant Colonel Jefry Gamboa.
Authorities confiscated mobile phones and other electronic devices believed to have been used in running the illegal online gambling operations.
The suspects now face multiple charges, including violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), Presidential Decree No. 1602 on illegal gambling, and other related laws.
PCSO Shield Department Chairman Orlando Malaca stressed that illegal gambling not only undermines government revenues intended for health and charity programs but also exposes ordinary Filipinos to fraud and financial risks.
DICT’s cyberspace clean-up drive
DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda emphasized that the operation is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to clean up cyberspace and eliminate illegal online activities.
“Ito ang utos ng Pangulo — linisin ang cyberspace sa mga ilegal na aktibidad (This is the President’s directive — clean up cyberspace of illegal activities),” Aguda said.
He noted that the successful Quezon City gambling raid on September 11 was a direct realization of the President’s order.
“We hope to bring more cases like this within the year, especially inter-agency cases such as this, which show how much stronger we are when we work together,” Aguda added.
Strong stance against cybercrime
Meanwhile, CICC Acting Executive Director Atty. Renato A. Paraiso reiterated the agency’s firm stance on combating cybercrime.
“We are strict when it comes to these operations because we are protecting the vulnerable sectors of society,” Paraiso said. “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,” he added.
CICC also reported that Quezon City Congressman Brian Poe, who witnessed the raid, praised the joint operation and emphasized the importance of sustained government support.
“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,” Poe said.
Also present during the operation were CICC Cybercrime Investigation Office Director Rojun V. Hosillos and Ronald Gustilo of Digital Pinoys, who reaffirmed the commitment of both government and civil society to fight cybercrime.
CICC, an attached agency of the DICT, confirmed that the suspects are now undergoing inquest proceedings.
Meanwhile, the seized devices will undergo digital forensic analysis to trace the wider network behind the illegal gambling operations according to CICC.

Related Tags

illegal online gambling Philippines DICT online gambling raid PCSO illegal gambling crackdown PNP Quezon City raid cybercrime investigation Philippines online gambling suspects arrested DICT cybercrime unit CICC
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