Crackdown on Illegal Online Gaming Operations Leads to Multiple Arrests in Parañaque City
In a significant operation against illegal online gaming, twelve individuals were apprehended on February 16 in an exclusive subdivision in Parañaque City, as reported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The arrests followed a month-long surveillance operation conducted by PAGCOR in collaboration with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Coordinated Effort to Combat Illegal Gaming
The operation was executed with a warrant to search and seize computer data from the suspects caught in the act of operating an unauthorized online gaming platform. This platform offered various games including slot machines, live casino, and e-sports. The authorities confiscated multiple electronic devices, including eleven computer sets, 21 mobile phones, 2 iPads, 6 laptops, and flash drives, which contained evidence of illegal online activities.
Intensified Crackdown on Illegal Activities
PAGCOR’s Senior Vice President for Security and Monitoring Cluster, Raul Villanueva, emphasized that this raid is part of broader efforts to eradicate illegal online gambling in the Philippines. With a directive from PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco to halt these illicit operations, PAGCOR is intensifying its collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to tackle the issue head-on.
Legal actions are set to be initiated against the suspects at the Parañaque Regional Trial Court. The operation underscores the commitment of PAGCOR and its partners to safeguard Filipino bettors from the risks associated with illegal online gaming sites and to ensure that revenues from regulated gaming contribute to the government’s nation-building programs.
Call to the Public and Future Plans
Authorities urge the public to patronize legal gaming platforms for their protection and to assist in the fight against illegal gambling by reporting suspicious activities.
With nearly 5,000 illegal online gaming sites previously operating in the country, and 80% now blocked, continuous monitoring and reporting are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the gaming industry in the Philippines.
Conclusion: A Unified Front Against Illegal Gaming
The successful operation in Parañaque City highlights the determination of PAGCOR, the NCRPO, the PNP, and other agencies to clamp down on illegal online gaming operations.
Through coordinated efforts and heightened surveillance, the authorities aim to create a safer and more regulated gaming environment in the Philippines, aligning with the nation’s legal frameworks and contributing to its economic development.
