The Philippines’ Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has intensified its operations against the promotion of unauthorized online gambling, releasing a list of influencers and digital accounts alleged to be involved.
According to the agency, which is working in partnership with the digital advocacy group Digital Pinoys, the list has been turned over to the Philippine National Police–Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) to initiate formal investigations and build cases. This move represents a stronger push by authorities to curb platforms operating outside the oversight of regulator PAGCOR.
The list of identified influencers that the PNP is investigating includes:
- Christian Merck Grey
- Kim “Whamos” Cruz
- Tonimari “Toni” Bauto Fowler
- Nica Pauline Llamelo (of “Da Siblings”)
- “Boy Tapang”*
- Sachzna Laparan
- Kuya Lex TV
- Mark Anthony Fernandez
- Wampipty (Clarence Angelo Santos)
- TG (Jeren Jude Nebit Bacas)
- Ohmyv33nus (Johnmar Villaluna)
*Pictured above
Note: All the influencers listed above are considered innocent until proven guilty; no charges have been issued at the time of this writing.
What’s At Stake
The CICC noted that each identified violation triggers swift measures, including takedown requests, directives to explain, and referrals for prosecution.
Officials emphasized that the Government is determined to hold accountable not only illegal operators but also individuals and organizations that knowingly promote or enable these schemes online. The CICC explained that its endorsements confirm evidence has been gathered against promoters and that sufficient grounds exist to pursue legal action.
The agency further stated that it continues to monitor social media pages, personal accounts, and paid advertisements linked to illegal gambling. Its collaboration with Digital Pinoys has already led to a 93% drop in reported links to unauthorized gambling sites.
Online Gambling In The Philippines
In recent years, the Philippines has cracked down on illegal gambling operations, which now includes online gambling, after the Government retracted its Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) program.
While online gambling sites in the Philippines are not illegal, domestic operators are not allowed to offer their services online. While the Government has suggested that Filipinos play only licensed offshore sites for their added player protections, it has made no effort to block unlicensed sites from accepting their players.
Online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms have been servicing the Philippines since the early 2000s and have become the most trusted source of online gambling in the country. However, it is essential to make sure that a trusted gaming commission licenses the site you wager on.