CICC intensifies crackdown on online sabong

MANILA, Philippines — The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center has intensified its campaign against online sabong as part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime platforms.

In declaring an intensified crackdown, CICC deputy executive director Renato Paraiso warned that off-grid cockfighting matches are becoming a growing threat to the country’s cybersecurity and social fabric.

“This is not just about gambling. This is about organized cybercrime, financial fraud and the exploitation of digital loopholes that allow illicit activities to thrive,” he said in a statement.

However, Paraiso emphasized that the solution is not a total ban on online gambling platforms.

If the government opts for an outright ban, Paraiso fears it could drive even legitimate platforms underground.

“That would only lead to a prolonged cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and off-grid digital operators,” he said.

Instead of a total ban, Paraiso said a regulated and transparent system with strict rules and clear guardrails is more effective in deterring online sabong.

Aside from fighting illegal online gambling, the CICC is also ramping up its surveillance and digital forensic capabilities to combat other cybercrimes such as online scams, identity theft and child sexual exploitation in compliance with President Marcos’ directive.

Paraiso urged lawmakers and regulators to collaborate in crafting a balanced legal framework that would penalize illegal actors without stifling innovation in digital entertainment and financial technology.

CICC intensifies crackdown on online sabong

Tupas

MANILA, Philippines — The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center has intensified its campaign against online sabong as part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime platforms.

In declaring an intensified crackdown, CICC deputy executive director Renato Paraiso warned that off-grid cockfighting matches are becoming a growing threat to the country’s cybersecurity and social fabric.

“This is not just about gambling. This is about organized cybercrime, financial fraud and the exploitation of digital loopholes that allow illicit activities to thrive,” he said in a statement.

However, Paraiso emphasized that the solution is not a total ban on online gambling platforms.

If the government opts for an outright ban, Paraiso fears it could drive even legitimate platforms underground.

“That would only lead to a prolonged cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and off-grid digital operators,” he said.

Instead of a total ban, Paraiso said a regulated and transparent system with strict rules and clear guardrails is more effective in deterring online sabong.

Aside from fighting illegal online gambling, the CICC is also ramping up its surveillance and digital forensic capabilities to combat other cybercrimes such as online scams, identity theft and child sexual exploitation in compliance with President Marcos’ directive.

Paraiso urged lawmakers and regulators to collaborate in crafting a balanced legal framework that would penalize illegal actors without stifling innovation in digital entertainment and financial technology.