Quezon city:<Text>
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has partnered with other government agencies and private sector groups to crack down on illegal online gambling sites and file criminal charges against social media influencers who promote illegal gambling. In a press conference at the CICC headquarters, CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso announced that the Threat Monitoring Center has completed a month-long documentation and verification of illegal gambling sites, applications, and their promoters, in collaboration with civil society organization Digital Pinoys.
According to Philippines News Agency, Paraiso stated that the findings would strengthen their case against digital influencers endorsing unregulated gambling sites. The findings were formally handed over to the Philippine National Police's Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) chief Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, who indicated that operators and promoters of these illegal sites could face charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and other related laws. They may also face charges such as syndicated estafa and undergo financial investigations through the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Additionally, cases might be referred to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) if necessary.
Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo mentioned that takedown requests have been submitted to Meta for banning social media accounts linked to illegal gambling promotion. While influencers can appeal, Gustilo noted that no accounts reported for illegal gambling have been reinstated due to the severity of their violations. Meanwhile, Raul Villanueva, senior vice president of the Security and Monitoring Cluster at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), urged the public to verify gambling platforms through PAGCOR's website to ensure they are legal and regulated, warning that illegal sites often scam users by preventing them from withdrawing winnings.
<P> ;Paraiso also warned the public about misleading videos on social media depicting attacks in the Middle East amid the recent conflict escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He cautioned that these videos are often old clips recirculated for views or scams. The CICC encourages the public and overseas Filipinos to contact them for concerns related to the CICC and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) through available hotlines and social media platforms.<P/></Text>