Crackdown On Influencers Jam Magno & Others Linked To Illegal Online Gambling
JAM MAGNO – Social media personality Jam Magno is among the influencers who may soon face legal cases over alleged promotion of illegal online gambling platforms.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) announced that it will proceed with filing cases against several social media influencers who were allegedly found promoting illegal online gambling platforms. Among those reportedly included in the complaint is social media personality Jam Magno.
The development was revealed during a joint press conference held on Wednesday, March 4, involving the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Digital Pinoys. During the briefing, CICC Executive Director Usec. Aboy Paraiso said the agency has completed a month-long investigation and is now ready to formally submit its findings to authorities.
“Narito po tayo upang isumite ang bunga ng isang buwang masusing imbestigasyon, mga dokumentasyon na magsisilbing bala upang mapalakas ang ating mga kaso laban sa mga digital influencers na walang pakundangang nagpo-promote pa rin ng mga hindi regulated na gambling sites,” said Paraiso.
He said, “Ngayong araw, pormal nating ibibigay ang mga ito sa PNP-ACG para sa nararapat at mabilis na aksyon. Tapos na ang araw ng babala, oras na mapanagot sila.”
Meanwhile, Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo also disclosed the names of the influencers allegedly involved in promoting illegal online gambling.
“Nandiyan po si Perkz Gaming, Jessica Magno, si Vic Desucatan, Wampipti, Princess Solomon, Norme Garcia, Cherry White, Girl Tapang Vlogs, Al Moralde, at Bemaks TV Fam,” said Gustilo.
According to Gustilo, the pages of the said influencers have also been endorsed to Meta for possible takedown as part of the campaign against illegal gambling promotions online.
“So, ito pong top 10 influencers na ‘to ay endorsed na rin po sa Meta for page takedown… and they are also endorsed already to PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group for case build-up,” he said.
He stressed that authorities are determined to continue the campaign against illegal online gambling, especially after repeated warnings were allegedly ignored.
“Wala ho tayong ano dito, itutuloy-tuloy ho talaga natin ito para masugpo po talaga natin itong illegal online gambling. We gave them a fair warning; we gave everyone a fair warning. Napakatagal na po itong kampanyang ito… napakatagal na ho ng babala pero hindi pa rin ho sila tumitigil. So, talaga hong kailangan ho we have to hurt them where it hurts the most ‘no.”
“So, we are planning our next step kung papaano pa po i-intensify ‘yon hong ating kampanya, siyempre with the help of CICC, PAGCOR, and PNP-ACG,” he concluded.
For its part, PAGCOR clarified how gambling websites are classified as illegal.
“‘Yong illegal sites kasi, ito ‘yong walang lisensya sa amin. ‘Pag walang lisensya sa amin kung titingnan n’yo ‘yong website namin, nasa website namin ‘yong mga legal sites… ‘yong lisensyado namin,” said PAGCOR Senior Vice President Raul Villanueva.
The CICC reiterated that it will continue pursuing actions until the country’s “online gambling epidemic” is addressed. Authorities also reminded the public not to be easily lured by the flashy promises of easy money circulating on social media, stressing that the real jackpot lies in safety and security for everyone.
READ ALSO: Jam Magno Says Letting Go of the Wrong Stand Made Her Glow Even More
