Philippine agency flags 15 influencers over illegal gambling
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) of the Philippines has formally endorsed 15 social media influencers to the Philippine National Police–Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) for investigation after verifying that they had promoted unlicensed online gambling platforms.
In a press conference, CICC chief Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said that the influencers collectively reach more than 76 million followers on Facebook, with several rising to prominence during the pandemic.
Paraiso said that through its Threat Monitoring Centre (TMC), the CICC checked gambling sites that were operating without authorisation from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The list includes Christian Merck Grey with 9.2 million followers, Normelyn Garcia with 7.6 million, Vic Desucatan with 6.9 million, Grace Calderon with 6.8 million, Cherrylyn Gonzaga with 6.5 million, Ronnie Suan with 5.6 million, Nica Pauline Llamelo with 4.6 million, Clarence Angelo Santos with 2.9 million, Jeren Bacas with 2.7 million, Perkz Gaming with 1.1 million, and Jungsuuk with 1.3 million.
The CICC said the gambling platforms had used Filipino content creators to draw in audiences, including minors, using livestreams, referral links, and online challenges.
CICC endorses list to PNP-ACG
Paraiso said that the agency is working with advocacy group Digital Pinoys and that they have identified 30 more influencers who are still promoting illegal online gambling.
“We would now be asking for the takedown of their sites, and we will be endorsing them to the PNP-ACG for the appropriate filing of cases,” Paraiso said. The CICC said that the influencers had previously been allowed to remove posts promoting illegal gambling, but did not do so. As a result, the agency is now pursuing legal measures.
Possible charges under cybercrime and gambling laws
The CICC noted that the endorsement marks the start of case build-up and potential prosecution. Paraiso said that violators may face charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Presidential Decree No. 1602 on illegal gambling, and Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code on estafa.
He added that ongoing investigations could uncover a possible “grand conspiracy” or even large-scale syndicated estafa linked to the networks of influencers promoting illegal gambling. The CICC reiterated that the law penalises not only the operators of unlicensed gambling platforms but also individuals who knowingly encourage or enable such activities online.
Digital Pinoys expands monitoring efforts
Meanwhile, Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo announced that the organisation will be turning over a new software that will make monitoring cyberspace easier. “This can easily detect illegal gambling sites,” he said.
The group has been working closely with the CICC in identifying pages, promotional content, and online activities related to unlicensed gambling operations. The collaboration forms part of broader efforts to improve digital safety and reduce exposure to unlawful gambling schemes.
Growing scrutiny of online gambling promotion
The agency’s action comes amid mounting public concern over the spread of illegal online gambling in the country, particularly on social media platforms where content creators have become key marketing channels. Authorities have stressed that online gambling operators often redirect promotions to social networks when other avenues become restricted.
In an earlier interview with SiGMA World, Gustilo encouraged Filipinos to utilise their reporting platform. “The public can report a wide range of illegal online gambling activities. These include unlicensed gambling websites, endorsers or influencers promoting such platforms, and advertisements,” he said.
Gustillo added that while the form requests a name and email address, anonymity is guaranteed, giving citizens the option to report without disclosing their identity.
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