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The Bureau of Customs is investigating the alleged smuggling of depleted uranium
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The National Bureau of Investigation recently arrested three individuals for the sale of the commodity
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Search operations in Pasay, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu led to the seizure of almost 100 kg of depleted uranium
The Bureau of Customs is investigating the alleged smuggling of depleted uranium.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently arrested three individuals for alleged smuggling and sale of the commodity. Search operations in Pasay, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu led to the seizure of almost 100 kg of depleted uranium.
News reports said the NBI is still clarifying with the BOC how the depleted uranium entered the country. The BOC said they are “currently verifying and investigating the matter” and will provide an update as soon as details are confirmed.
In an entrapment operation in Pasay City on October 18, NBI arrested Mae “Madame Mae” Vergel Zagala and Arnel Gimpaya Santiago while Roy Cabesas Vistal was arrested on October 28.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kg of black powder, which all came out positive for uranium isotopes, particularly uranium 235 and uranium 238.
The operation was conducted after representatives of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) sought NBI’s assistance in investigating the illegal trade of depleted uranium in the country.
According to the PNRI, depleted uranium poses a serious threat to national security because it can be used as source material for nuclear weapons by terrorist organizations. Additionally, due to its radioactivity and toxicity, it can expose people in close contact with it to health threats.
PNRI director Dr. Carlo Arcilla said there is no uranium mine in the Philippines so the commodity must have illegally entered the country.
Illicit trade of uranium is in violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 5207, otherwise known as the Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act of 1968, as amended.
NBI’s investigation led to the group of Vistal, who allegedly offered the sale of the radioactive materials to the public by misrepresenting them as precious metals.
Zagala is Vistal’s partner while Santiago is Vistal’s agent.
Vistal initially remained at-large following the October 18 operation. A search warrant against him was implemented by NBI and the PNRI technical team at his residence in Pasay City that led to the seizure of of about three 3 kilograms of black powder, rock material, small metal materials, and other contaminated items that all tested positive for uranium 235 and uranium 238.
PNRI also discovered that Vistal’s residence in Pasay City is heavily contaminated with an undeterminable quantity of depleted uranium powder. As part of PNRI’s safety protocols, the area is currently undergoing decontamination procedure before its release to the owners.
Vistal was eventually arrested on October 28 in Cagayan De Oro City as a result of NBI’s manhunt operation.
A search warrant on Vistal’s residence in Cagayan De Oro resulted in the seizure of several radioactive and contaminated materials, including a black pot weighing 3 to 5 kg that tested positive for uranium 238 and uranium 235. The team also detected severe surface contamination with uranium 238 and uranium 235 in various areas of the residence, including the family vehicle.
Further investigation disclosed that Vistal’s group allegedly sourced the depleted uranium from Cebu.
On November 8 and 9, 2024, operatives of NBI and PNRI, and the troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Cebu Joint Task Force conducted another search and seizure operation in Mandaue City that led to the recovery of about 60 kg of metals, which tested positive for uranium 238 and uranium 235.
The arrested individuals were presented for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice.
Subsequently, a criminal case for violation of RA 5207 was filed before the courts in Pasay City and Cagayan De Oro.
