The Networks of Illegal Online Gambling in the Philippines are now under investigation by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
The commission is focusing on understanding the origins and connections of these illegal gambling operations, which have been increasing in the country.
PAOCC’s Efforts to Uncover Gambling Networks
According to Gilbert Cruz, the Executive Director of PAOCC, the commission is conducting thorough research to identify how illegal online gambling sites are connected and who is behind them.
The goal is to understand the intentions of those running these sites and determine if they are engaging in practices similar to online lending or money laundering, which have been problematic in the past.
“We are studying the connections of these online gambling sites. What is their purpose, and who are they connected to?” Cruz explained in a recent forum held in Quezon City.
The Push for Action Against Abusive Practices
The PAOCC is particularly concerned about the potential for abusive practices related to illegal online gambling, such as harassment, which has been observed in online lending scams. If such practices are identified, the commission is ready to take action to shut down the operations.
“If these activities are found to involve harassment, similar to online lending practices, they should be banned,” Cruz stated.
Coordination with Other Government Agencies
The PAOCC is working closely with various government agencies to address this growing issue. By collaborating with agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the commission aims to fully investigate the illegal gambling networks and bring them to justice.
Potential Legislation on Illegal Online Gambling
The PAOCC’s findings will be submitted to lawmakers, as discussions on whether to ban online gambling or strictly regulate it continue. A total ban proposal is currently being debated in Congress, with the goal of protecting Filipinos from the negative social costs associated with illegal online gambling.
Conclusion
The networks of illegal online gambling in the Philippines remain a significant concern for both the government and citizens. As PAOCC continues its investigation, it is crucial to understand the origins of these operations and the potential harm they cause.
The next steps in the investigation could lead to new regulations or a complete ban on illegal online gambling in the country.
References:
- One click away: PH grapples with online gambling boom – and doom.
- PAOCC’s role – Researching the connections and origins of illegal gambling sites.
- Lawmakers eye restrictions, ban on online gambling.
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