Senators link foreign student kidnapping to POGOs, call for ban and stronger child protection

Senators on Wednesday linked a recent foreign student kidnapping from an international school to the presence of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), warning of ongoing criminal activity.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian condemned the incident, calling for the complete ban of POGOs and stressing the need for relentless pursuit of perpetrators, emphasizing that failure to act decisively could open the door to more criminal operations targeting children.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros noted a surge in kidnappings involving both foreign nationals and Filipinos alongside the rise of POGO operations, warning that criminal groups linked to POGOs continue to evolve despite government efforts.

Hontiveros highlighted new schemes used by POGO groups to recruit victims through fake travel advertisements for human trafficking and scam operations, while Gatchalian urged schools, parents, communities, and law enforcement agencies to work together in strengthening child protection programs to prevent further abductions.

The senator also emphasized the importance of raising awareness among students so they can remain vigilant against potential dangers, citing recent arrests of Chinese nationals allegedly involved in espionage activities near strategic government offices.