MANILA, Philippines — The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has begun a campaign to eliminate illegal online cockfighting or online sabong, calling it a growing threat that demands immediate and sustained action.
The announcement followed renewed public outrage after a video showing a lawmaker watching online sabong during the opening session of the House of Representatives went viral.
“This is not just about gambling,” said CICC Deputy Executive Director Renato Paraiso. “This is about organized cybercrime, financial fraud, and the exploitation of digital loopholes that allow illicit activities to thrive.”
Paraiso said the agency is committed to dismantling illegal online sabong operations.
“We are not merely condemning the act. We are acting decisively to root it out,” he said.
Paraiso clarified that the CICC is not pushing for a blanket ban on online gambling platforms. Instead, he underscored the need for stricter regulation, transparency, and legal accountability.
“The recent incident in Congress proves one important thing — if we push for outright prohibition, we risk driving even legitimate platforms underground,” he said. “A regulated, transparent system with strict rules and clear guardrails is the more effective deterrent.”
“We see this not only as a wake-up call but as validation of our current strategy,” Paraiso said. “Eradication efforts must focus on the syndicates running these illegal platforms, while ensuring that licensed operators remain compliant with the law.”
Operating under the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the CICC has expanded surveillance and digital forensics capabilities under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The agency is also targeting other forms of cybercrime, including online scams, child sexual exploitation, and identity theft.
Paraiso urged lawmakers and regulators to collaborate on a balanced legal framework that deters abuse without hindering innovation in digital entertainment and financial technology.
“This is no longer just a legal issue,” he said. “It is a governance issue, an ethical issue, and a national security issue.”
