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.

According to Philippines News Agency, Barbers stated in a press release that 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. Barbers expressed concern over the deeply entrenched network of foreign syndicates using the Philippines as a safe haven for financial crimes, leveraging digital tools and regulatory gaps to operate with impunity. He urged for stronger legislation to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s law-and-order agenda.

Barbers commended the Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, for their 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, 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 highlighted the alarming overlap. 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.’

Barbers emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘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.’