THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Tuesday disclosed attempts to derail their investigation into the alleged involvement of 12 police officers in the case of missing “sabungeros” or cockfighting enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church renewed its call for the government and the business community to speak out on the issue of online gambling which continues to attract the youth especially the students who are increasingly engaged in gambling through their mobile devices.
In a related development, Meta took down the Facebook pages of at least 20 influencers promoting illegal online gambling, upon a joint request from the Philippine government and a network of digital advocates, to the delight of Senator Joel Villanueva, author of Senate Bill No. 47 or the Anti-Online Gambling Act, which seeks to prohibit all forms of online gambling operations in the country.
In a statement, Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said they have received credible information pointing to two groups that allegedly tried to interfere with their inquiry.
“I found both approaches insulting. I will decide on these cases based on the evidence at hand, based on our investigations, and ever mindful of due process to all concerned. We will be fair. We will dispose of this case without fear or favor,” Calinisan stressed.
He maintained that the Napolcom “will not be deterred by external pressures and will allow the evidence to speak for itself.”
Calinisan encouraged people with relevant information to “come forward and assist in ensuring that justice is served.”
Napolcom’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) is currently evaluating the counter-affidavits submitted by the 12 active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in response to the administrative complaints lodged by a whistleblower identified as alias Totoy.
“This investigation is being handled with the highest degree of integrity. We owe that to the families of the missing individuals and to the Filipino people,” Calinisan said.
“There are two groups that we are trying to fix. The first is a gang boss who is allegedly trying to rip off his police officers. The second is a group of a local government executive who wants to clear his name and is working on many ways to fix his case and wants to get closer to me,” he added.
The Napolcom official gave assurance that the Commission remains unwavering in its commitment to impartiality, transparency, and due process.
“I will not allow it, we will not settle. My message to the two groups is that you should not try it, the President’s order to us is clear that there are no cover-ups, no stone unturned. We at Napolcom will not allow anyone to influence us. We are not afraid, we will not argue,” Calinisan said.
He added that the 12 police officers may face administrative charges for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer if evidence warrants. He also said the Napolcom would release its decision on the matter in 60 days.
In a pastoral letter titled “Isang Pahayag Ukol sa Moral at Panlipunang Krisis Dahil sa Online Gambling”, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed belief it is crucial for the government to take action and address the potential risks and consequences associated with gambling.
‘Why do many in the government, the media and business world seem to be silent? Could it be because many of them are also benefiting from it?, CBCP president Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David asked.
“They choose to stay silent because of the considerable profits that this industry generates. Currently, it is clear that online gambling is attracting a great deal of media coverage. This attention is not only sanctioned by government authorities but is also heavily supported by financial investments from gambling entrepreneurs,” the prelate added.
In the year 2024 alone, it is estimated that more than 154 billion pesos were recorded in their income, almost a 165 percent increase from the previous year.
“ And what is sad is that in many cases families, communities – as well as the church – also remain silent in the lamentation of the increasing number of those seeking help due to their enslavement to it.” the CBCP leader said.
Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said the takedown by Meta meant that the government and their group are serious with their advocacy.
“We thank Meta for swiftly acting on our joint request with CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center)to take down the pages of influencers blatantly promoting illegal online gambling. We hope the remaining pages flagged in our initial report will be removed in the coming days,” said Gustilo.
Among the deleted pages are those of high-profile personalities such as Boy Tapang (5.5 million followers), Sachzna Laparan (9.7 million followers), Kuya Lex TV (100K followers), and Mark Anthony Fernandez (242K followers). A total of 20 influencers were included in the first batch submitted by Digital Pinoys and endorsed by CICC to Meta.
Gustilo said this is only the beginning of a wider crackdown.
“Some of these influencers thought they were untouchable—that we were bluffing. They had more than enough time to comply. They gambled with the law, and now they’re facing the consequences,” he added.
He also lauded the CICC for its decisive action in protecting Filipino netizens from illegal gambling and online threats.
Meta struck down the Facebook pages of at least 20 influencers who were promoting illegal online gambling, following is a joint request from the Philippine government and a network of digital advocates.
