By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has so far taken down more than 10,000 sites as part of the government’s crackdown against illegal online gambling.
During a press conference in Quezon City on Tuesday, CICC Acting Executive Director Renato Paraiso said the achievement was made through a “whole-of-society” approach through partnerships with both government agencies and private partners.
“We’ve curbed the promotion of illegal online gambling. And I’d like to express my gratitude really to the influencers who answered the call to stop promoting illegal online gambling,” Paraiso said.
In particular, he thanked Sachzna Laparan and Big Boy Cheng, both social media influencers, who have agreed to stop promoting illegal online gambling and for serving as advocates of responsible gaming.
“Mahaba haba pa ho ang laban natin dito (We still have a long way to go in this fight), but I think we’re turning the tide,” he said.
On the other hand, the CICC and its private partner Digital Pinoys are seeking the takedown of the pages of 30 social media influencers for their involvement in illegal online gambling.
Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said these influencers will be sent notices to explain and may also face possible complaints.
“Meron iba, wala na yung mga followers, it’s either tinago na nila yung kanilang page or nag-bura na sila, pero (Some have no followers, it’s either they hid their page or deleted it, but) we will still be looking into it. They will still be asked for an explanation. Yung pag-bura nila ngayon ay hindi nangangahulugan na abswelto agad sila. (Their decision to delete doesn’t mean they are immediately absolved),” Gustilo said.
These social media pages include Luisito Vlogs, Kuya Chris, Jonaah Jacob, Perkz Gaming, Waampipti, Kin Jacob, Hailey, Boss Dats, Paldita Gaming, Vic Desucatan, Master Bebe (Postings), Magda, Meos Velance, Biboy Lang Pala, Siquijor Viners, and Kuya Chris/Don Pablo.
The CICC is also seeking the page takedown and further investigation into Jonah Jacob, Yolo, Brusko Bros, Gagamboy Gaming, Vanessa Raval, Scatterman, Purunggoy Gaming, Mommy Scatter, Boss Rem X Boss Madam, Donr Napakasherep, Patdo Gaming 2.0, Melisa Streaming TV / Maldita Plays, Yansen, and Boss Lucio.
To date, the CICC’s threat monitoring center and Digital Pinoys reporting site have gathered 1,610 illegal gambling sites.
These sites are mostly mirrors of 146 illegal gambling sites, of which nine URLs have already been taken down. (PNA)
