The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has successfully shut down 8,901 illegal online gambling sites. According to CICC Deputy Executive Director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, this is the result of the active searching and surveillance of their threat monitoring center against illegal websites and scams.
Paraiso said the number of sites to be caught is expected to increase as the agency's operations continue. He added that the CICC is also strengthening its coordination with various government agencies to combat illegal online recruitment and other types of online scams.
It was also mentioned that the CICC has started sending show-cause orders to several social media influencers who continue to promote illegal online gambling. Among the government's measures is ordering e-wallet apps to disconnect users from gambling platforms to reduce access to illegal gambling.
Authorities have expressed concerns over the effects of online gambling, such as addiction, family problems, and financial hardship. Some lawmakers want to ban it altogether to protect youth and families, but others believe it could lead to job losses and a decrease in government revenue.
Even the Catholic Church has expressed opposition, calling online gambling a "public health crisis" that society must urgently address.
