Eleven individuals—nine foreigners and two Filipinos—were arrested at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport on Friday night, after authorities intercepted over ₱441.92 million in cash, along with other foreign currencies, believed to be linked to the kidnap-slay case of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo confirmed the arrests during a Saturday press conference at Camp Crame. According to Fajardo, the suspects were carrying ₱441.92 million, US$168,730, and HK$1,000 inside their luggage. They failed to produce documents justifying possession of such a large amount of money during initial questioning.
To explain the cash, the suspects presented a certificate from a Cebu-based casino, indicating the funds were winnings associated with a junket operator named “White Horse.” However, investigators were skeptical of the claim, as “White Horse” was previously identified as one of two junket operators linked to the electronic wallet where ransom money paid by the Que family was traced.
“11 katao kabilang ang 9 dayuhan, arestado dahil sa pagbibitbit ng higit ₱400 million sa Mactan-Cebu International Airport ilang araw bago ang Eleksyon,” Fajardo remarked, highlighting the timing of the arrests just days before the national elections.
Aviation Security Group (AVSEG) Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia said the suspects were intercepted at 11:30 p.m., but the casino certification was only released at 3:00 a.m. the next day, raising further doubts. “Doon tayo lalong nagduda na malamang hindi authenticated o hindi totoo itong casino winnings,” he said, suggesting the certification might be fabricated to cover up illicit activities.
The PNP is now tracing the origin of the money, considering the possibility that it had been converted into cryptocurrency (USDT) before being returned to the country. Authorities suspect the funds may have been co-mingled with ransom payments made in the Que case.
Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, were abducted on March 29 in Valenzuela City, killed on April 8 in Bulacan, and their remains were discovered in Rizal on April 9. Several suspects, including Filipino nationals and a Chinese individual, have already been arrested or surrendered in connection with the crime.
The 11 suspects arrested in Cebu are now facing further investigation and possible charges related to money laundering and kidnapping.