MANILA – In a bid to intensify the government’s fight against digital organized crime, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has formalized a partnership with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), with illegal online gambling as a key target.
CICC’s communications head Aya Macalma told the Philippine News Agency that the agency will focus on building solid case files to support PAOCC’s investigations and prosecutions of organized crime networks.
“Our mandate involves preparing strong case documentation for the prosecution of groups engaged in organized criminal activity,” Macalma said.
As part of the partnership, CICC will also take charge of digital forensic operations and the suppression of illicit gambling websites and content.
“This alliance highlights our joint commitment to rid the nation’s digital landscape of unlawful online practices and bring perpetrators to justice,” the CICC added.
The move builds on CICC’s previous collaborations with the Philippine National Police–Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the civil society group Digital Pinoys, which all work together to target illegal online gambling and those promoting it.
Authorities are being urged to exercise vigilance against cybercrime syndicates that continue to pool resources to operate illegal gambling networks, including Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
On March 4, CICC and Digital Pinoys completed a month-long documentation of illegal gambling websites, apps, and promoters. These records have been submitted to the PNP-ACG, with suspects facing charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and other violations, including syndicated estafa.
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