By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA – Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Wednesday raised alarm over the laundering of ransom money in the Anson Que kidnapping case, calling it a “serious national security threat” that exposes the Philippines to transnational crime.
In a press release, Barbers said the routing of ransom funds through junket operators, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency platforms signals a growing shadow economy used by foreign syndicates for money laundering, kidnapping, and potentially espionage.
“This is no longer just about ransom. It’s about a vast shadow economy of crime that’s infiltrating and abusing our financial system,” Barbers said.
“What we’re dealing with is a deeply entrenched network of foreign syndicates using the Philippines as a safe haven for financial crimes.”
He warned that syndicates have become more sophisticated, leveraging digital tools and regulatory gaps to operate with impunity, and urged stronger legislation to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s law-and-order agenda.
“The Marcos administration is waging a serious war against criminal syndicates, and this case proves how high the stakes are,” he said.
Barbers commended the Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, for the breakthrough in tracing the money trail and exposing the complex laundering scheme.
According to police, funds passed through junket operators 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Club and were spread across at least 10 e-wallets under false names, and converted into cryptocurrency, making tracking difficult.
One e-wallet was reportedly owned by a Chinese national previously arrested for espionage, raising concerns about deeper connections.
While direct links between the kidnapping and espionage have not been established, Barbers said the overlap is deeply concerning.
“It’s a toxic mix that’s endangering the safety of our people and the integrity of our financial and national security systems,” he pointed out.
He urged Congress, law enforcement agencies, and financial regulators to tighten the oversight of junkets, POGOs, and crypto transactions, warning that without swift reforms, the Philippines risks becoming a “haven for transnational crime.”
“We must not be complacent. Our sovereignty, our national security, and the safety of our people are at stake. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose,” he said. (PNA)
