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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nearly 1,900 illegal online gambling reports logged in first 3 months—CICC

Nearly 1,900 illegal online gambling reports logged in first 3 months—CICC

Published Mar 16, 2026 06:18 pm
(PIXABAY)
(PIXABAY)
Close to 1,900 reports of illegal online gambling were recorded in the first three months of the year, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said Monday, March 16.
With this, the CICC said it has strengthened its operations against illegal online gambling, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), and organized cybercrime through a partnership with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
The agency said the surge in complaints prompted it to formalize joint operations with the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Digital Pinoys to intensify the crackdown on illegal online gambling operations and promotions.
“Sparked by the recent data showing a total of 1,891 reports involving illegal online gambling in the first three months of the year, the CICC recently formalized joint operations with the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the Digital Pinoys to conduct an extensive crackdown on illegal online gambling operations and promotions as it voids not only the gambler’s pockets, but destroys relationships and mental health as well,” the agency said in a statement.
Under the partnership, the CICC will support PAOCC in building cases and prosecution through digital forensics while also leading efforts to block illegal gambling websites and online content based on data provided by PAGCOR and PAOCC.
“Supporting PAOCC’s case build-up and prosecution procedure by providing assistance in carrying out digital forensics activities” and “leading the blocking of illicit gambling websites and contents, following the data forwarded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and PAOCC,” are among the agency’s priorities, it added.
The partnership underscores the commitment of the CICC and PAOCC to intensify efforts against illegal online activities nationwide.
The CICC said that the digital transformation in recent years has significantly changed the online landscape, which cybercriminals have exploited to conduct illegal activities.
“The full-scale digital transformation throughout the years has resulted in the major switch of the online ecosystem from being an uncomplicated platform to a sophisticated avenue,” the agency said.
“However, cybercriminals have forged a path to utilize these innovations to the core by leveraging the internet and exploiting its users’ vulnerabilities, which consequently results in a loss of public trust in digital services,” it added.
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