Manila, Feb. 28 -- The abduction of a student, a case with suspected links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), is a warning sign of an escalating threat.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said failure to act decisively could open the door to more criminal operations targeting children.

"There is only one acceptable outcome in this manhunt: Full accountability for the perpetrators. Anything less is unacceptable," Gatchalian said in a news release Friday.

The senator expressed deep concern over reports that organized crime syndicates tied to POGOs are now preying on minors.

"This is not just an isolated case. It is a wake-up call. If we do not stop this immediately, it could mark the beginning of a wider modus operandi, where POGO...