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QUEZON CITY, September 11, 2025 — In line with the presidential directive to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to clean cyberspace of illegal activities, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), together with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), has successfully apprehended seven illegal online gambling operators from Quezon City and Batasan.
The operation stemmed from a formal complaint filed by PCSO, through its Shield Department as directed by General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles. Acting on this complaint, the case was built up in close collaboration between PCSO and the CICC, leading to the successful apprehension carried out by the PNP, Station 14 of Quezon City Police Department (QCPD) under the leadership of P/Lt. Col. Jefry Gamboa, Station Commander of Holy Spirit Police Station.
The raid resulted in the arrest of seven suspects within the day, as well as the confiscation of mobile devices and other equipment used to facilitate unauthorized gambling activities online. They are now facing charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act No. 10175), Presidential Decree No. 1602 (Prescribing Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling), and related statutes.
DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda emphasized that the operation is a direct fulfillment of the President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s marching orders:
“Ito ang utos ng Pangulo — linisin ang cyberspace sa mga ilegal na aktibidad (This is the President’s order — clean cyberspace of illegal activities). Today’s successful apprehension is a realization of that directive. We hope to bring more cases like this within the year, especially interagency cases such as this, which show how much stronger we are when we work together.”
Inquest proceedings now ongoing
CICC Acting Executive Director Atty. Renato A. Paraiso also underscored the strict approach being taken in such operations:
“We are strict when it comes to these operations because we are protecting the vulnerable sectors of society. These illegal operators may seem small at first glance, but over time their impact is significant. That is why we are relentless in pursuing them.”
Congressman Brian Poe, who personally witnessed the operation, lauded the success of the joint effort:
“This event is a clear demonstration of strong collaboration across government agencies, and a strong case for capacitating these agencies with the adequate resources they need to sustain these victories against illegal online gambling.”
The PCSO, through Chairman Orlando Malaca of the Shield Department, also stressed that illegal gambling not only deprives the government of revenues earmarked for health and charity programs but also puts ordinary Filipinos at risk of financial exploitation and fraud.
Director Rojun V. Hosillos of the CICC Cybercrime Investigation Office and Ronald Gustilo of Digital Pinoys were likewise present, affirming both the government and civil society’s commitment to fighting cybercrime.
The suspects are undergoing inquest proceedings, and the seized digital devices will undergo forensic analysis by the CICC to identify the broader network behind the operation. (/)