TLDR The Philippine Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced a new partnership on Monday to target illegal online gambling operations. The CICC will prepare detailed case files, handle cyber forensics, and work to block access to illegal gambling websites run by organized crime groups. The crackdown follows the government’s ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), as illegal gambling has shifted from physical locations to online platforms. Multiple agencies are involved including the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, PAGCOR, and civil society group Digital Pinoys. A month-long monitoring project earlier in March identified illegal gambling sites and apps, with findings handed to police for potential charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The Philippine government is stepping up its fight against illegal online gambling. Two major agencies announced a new partnership on Monday to go after criminal groups running illegal games on the internet.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission will now work together more closely. The PAOCC leads investigations into organized crime in the Philippines.
Under the new arrangement, the CICC will take on a larger role in supporting the PAOCC. The agency will prepare detailed case files to help with investigations and prosecution of criminal groups.
The CICC will also handle cyber forensics work. It will focus on blocking access to illegal gambling websites and content tied to organized crime networks.
Illegal Gambling Moves Online After POGO Ban
The partnership comes after the government banned the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. Authorities have noticed that organized groups have shifted their illegal gambling services to websites and social media platforms.
The move from physical gambling establishments to online platforms has created new challenges for law enforcement. The government says this partnership