Gatchalian raises alarm over emergence of Pakistan trafficking route

FILE: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. (Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday urged the government to immediately crack down on human trafficking syndicates allegedly using Pakistan as a new transit point to smuggle Filipinos abroad.

He said the rising number of victims highlights the need for swift and coordinated action among law enforcement agencies, particularly the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, to tighten border security and dismantle criminal networks.

“Reports indicating Pakistan as a new human trafficking route are deeply alarming. The government must act swiftly to put an end to human trafficking,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

The senator warned that individuals formerly involved in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) could be behind the illegal operations.

“Malamang na mga taong dating sangkot sa POGO ang gumagawa ng ganitong kriminalidad na nambibiktima ng mga walang malay nating kababayan (It is likely that individuals previously involved in POGOs are now behind these crimes victimizing our unsuspecting countrymen),” he said.