Quezon city: Seven suspects were arrested for illegal online gambling during a joint operation of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the Philippine Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Philippine National Police (PNP). According to Philippines News Agency, the operation began when an authorized agent of the PCSO was found to be continuing gambling activities despite the expiration of their contract with the agency in July. This was revealed during a press conference at Station 14 of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) by PCSO Shield Chair Orlando Malaca. Malaca highlighted that illegal gambling activities impact PCSO's revenues and the charitable work the agency provides, particularly medical assistance to those in need. The PCSO collaborated with the CICC, which coordinated with the PNP for a joint investigation and subsequent raid executed by QCPD Station 14. This raid led to the arrest of seven suspects and the confiscation of mobile devices and other equipment used in the ill egal operations. The suspects are facing charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), Presidential Decree No. 1602, and related laws. They are currently undergoing inquest proceedings, and the seized devices will be analyzed forensically by the CICC to uncover the larger network involved. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda emphasized that the operation is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to eliminate illegal activities from the country's cyberspace. Aguda expressed hope for more similar interagency operations within the year, underscoring the strength gained from such collaborations. CICC Acting Executive Director Renato 'Aboy' Paraiso noted the importance of these operations in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, acknowledging the significant impact of illegal operators over time. The operation was also witnessed by FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares, who praised the successful collaboration of g overnment agencies and stressed the need to equip these agencies with the necessary resources to continue their efforts against illegal online gambling.