Manila: The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has entered into a collaborative effort with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to enhance the nation's battle against digital organized crime, with a particular focus on illicit online gambling.
According to Philippines News Agency, CICC head of communications Aya Macalma stated that the CICC's role in this partnership is to develop comprehensive case files for investigation. As the nation's primary agency tasked with investigating and prosecuting organized crimes, the CICC is mandated to establish a case build-up against and prosecute organized crime groups. The CICC will assist in digital forensics activities and lead efforts to block illicit gambling websites and content.
The partnership signifies the commitment of both CICC and PAOCC to spearhead efforts to eliminate illegal online practices nationwide. The goal is to cleanse the digital landscape and bring perpetrators to justice, ensuring a secure online environment. The agreement with PAOCC is the latest in a series of collaborations with government agencies in the fight against illicit online gambling, particularly targeting Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) managed by organized crime groups.
Joint operations have also been formalized with the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the civil group Digital Pinoys. These efforts aim to crack down on illegal online gambling and its promoters. Authorities are urged to remain vigilant in apprehending threat actors pooling resources to execute cybercrimes, including operating POGO hubs and illegal online gambling activities.
Earlier this year, on March 4, the CICC announced its partnership with Digital Pinoys in a month-long documentation and verification initiative targeting illegal gambling sites, applications, and their promoters. The findings from this initiative were handed over to the PNP-ACG, with suspects facing charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and other violations, such as syndicated estafa.
