7 nabbed in major crackdown on illegal online gambling in QC

• Photo from Pixabay

By TechWatch PH Staff

Seven suspected illegal online gambling operators were arrested in a joint operation by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Quezon City and Batasan.

The operation stemmed from a formal complaint filed by PCSO through its Shield Department as directed by GM Mel Robles. Acting on this complaint, the case was built up in close collaboration between PCSO and the CICC, leading to the successful apprehension carried out by the PNP Station 14 QCPD under the leadership of Pltcol Jefry Gamboa, Station Commander of Holy Spirit Police Station.

The raid resulted in the confiscation of mobile devices and other equipment used to facilitate unauthorized gambling activities online.

The arrested individuals now face charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), Presidential Decree No. 1602 (Prescribing Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling), and related statutes.

Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry R. Aguda emphasized that the operation is a direct fulfillment of the President’s marching orders:

“Ito ang utos ng Pangulo — linisin ang cyberspace sa mga ilegal na aktibidad. Today’s successful apprehension is a realization of that directive. 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.”

CICC Acting Executive Director Atty. Renato A. Paraiso also underscored the strict approach being taken in such operations:

“We are strict when it comes to these operations because we are protecting the 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.”

Congressman Brian Poe, who personally witnessed the operation, lauded the success of the joint effort:

“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 PCSO, through Chairman Orlando Malaca of the Shield Department, also stressed that illegal gambling not only deprives the government of revenues earmarked for health and charity programs but also puts ordinary Filipinos at risk of financial exploitation and fraud.

The suspects are undergoing inquest proceedings, and the seized digital devices will undergo forensic analysis by the CICC to identify the broader network behind the operation.