Manila, July 8 -- 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 ...