CICC ramps up e-sabong regulation, combats cybercrime

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) announced intensified efforts to 'totally eliminate' online sabong or cockfighting games following a viral video of a legislator watching live-streamed matches during the House session.

Atty. Renato Paraiso, CICC's deputy executive director, emphasized that e-sabong is not just gambling but also involves organized cybercrime and financial fraud, posing a significant threat to cybersecurity and social fabric.

Paraiso stressed that instead of banning online gambling platforms outright, stringent regulation, transparency, and accountability are necessary to combat the issue effectively.

The CICC has ramped up surveillance and digital forensics capabilities under DICT's jurisdiction to tackle cybercrimes such as online scams, child exploitation, identity theft, and illicit gambling.

Lawmakers and regulators are urged to work together in crafting a balanced legal framework that would penalize illegal actors without stifling innovation in digital entertainment and financial technology.