Philippine government targets cybercriminals running illegal online lottery operations

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of Philippines Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. has pledged support in the fight against cybercriminals who have been profiting from illegal online lottery operations, according to local media reports.

Abalos emphasized the DILG's commitment to providing assistance to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in their mission to combat this issue, stating that illegal online lottery operators have been obstructing the agency's efforts to offer crucial public aid to the less privileged.

“We are one with the PCSO in its desire to provide help especially medical assistance to as many poor people as possible. But they (PCSO) can’t fulfill their mandate if there are evil people who were stealing the agency’s revenue using their technological know-how,” Abalos said in a statement.

The announcement from Secretary Abalos came in response to a complaint filed by PCSO General Manager Mel Robles against individuals associated with four companies engaged in unauthorized online lottery operations within the country. Robles disclosed that these illegal activities were causing substantial financial losses to the PCSO.

Abalos commented: "You can just imagine the damage these suspects are doing to the causes and advocacies of PCSO which is mandated to provide all forms of assistance to the people especially the poor."

Abalos pledged to instruct the Philippine National Police, especially the Anti-Cybercrime Group, to intensively pursue and assist the PCSO.