NBI confirms depleted uranium seized in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago confirmed himself that the depleted uranium seized by authorities late last year was indeed discovered in Mandaue City.

“Yes, depleted uranium sa Mandaue City,” Santiago said when asked if the materials were found in the city.

Mandaue City officials have earlier clarified that the seized depleted uranium was not discovered within their jurisdiction.

City Administrator Atty. Jamaal James Calipayan told reporters in a forum on December 11 that he had received a notice stating that the 60 kilograms of metal blocks testing positive for uranium were actually found in two other Cebu cities, not in Mandaue.

The said depleted uranium were seized in December last year, wherein NBI arrested three individuals accused of illegally selling the material by deceiving buyers into believing they were purchasing “precious metals.”

The material was believed to have been sourced from someone in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Authorities seized over 100 kilograms of radioactive materials during separate operations conducted between October and November 2024 in Pasay City, Cagayan de Oro City, Mandaue City, and Dagupan City.

All the seized items "were identified to contain uranium isotopes, particularly Uranium-235 and Uranium-238,” said NBI Agent Zulikha Marie Conales.

The materials were allegedly being sold to foreign buyers as “precious metals” by a group led by Roy Cabesas Vistal.

Along with Vistal, the NBI also arrested Mae Zagala and Arnel Santiago and confiscated metallic bars and powdered depleted uranium.

On November 8 and 9, authorities carried out an operation in Mandaue City, seizing 60 kilograms of metal blocks that later tested positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235.

Santiago said in a press conference yesterday, Feb. 2, 2025, that the NBI’s investigation is still underway to determine the exact source of the materials.

He also confirmed that they are coordinating with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to trace the origin of the items.

“Hindi tayo papayag na hindi malaman dahil napakadelikado ng depleted uranium,” Santiago said, emphasizing the danger posed by the material.

According to Santiago, depleted uranium can be used to manufacture armor-piercing bullets capable of penetrating thick surfaces, including vehicles. He also noted its potential use as an explosive component in bombs.

Authorities are still trying to trace the source of the materials, as the three arrested individuals have been uncooperative.

“Hindi sila magsabi kaya kami ang maghahanap bakit naipasok ’yan sa atin,” Santiago said.

While the NBI can not link the seized depleted uranium to the Chinese nationals apprehended in Luzon last month on allegations of being spies, Santiago said they are not ruling out the possibility as the investigation progresses. (CEBU NEWS)