In Mandaue operation: NBI nabs three in uranium deal

CEBU, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested three individuals accused of illegally selling depleted uranium by allegedly misleading people that they were buying "precious metals.”

The material is said to be sourced from someone in Mandaue City, Cebu.

In a press conference last Monday, Dec. 9, the NBI announced the seizure of over 100 kilograms (kg) of radioactive materials during separate operations conducted between October and November 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,” according to NBI Agent Zulikha Marie Conales.

Conales said the depleted uranium was detected in 80 kg. of metal blocks, six kg. of powder, and about 20 to 30 kg. of other radioactive and contaminated materials.

Cambridge dictionary defines “radioactive” as something “considered extremely dangerous or harmful.”

The NBI said operations were conducted after Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) sought the help of NBI Director Jaime Santiago to address the illegal trade of depleted uranium.

It said the items were being sold to foreigners as "precious metals" by a group led by one Roy Cabesas Vistal.

NBI’s first entrapment operation and the execution of a search warrant took place on Oct. 18 in Pasay City, where they arrested Mae Zagala and Arnel Santiago and seized metallic bars and powdered materials of depleted uranium weighing approximately 24 kg.

“We received the information that the group of Vistal, Mae, and Arnel are offering the public depleted uranium in the amount of 1.8 million pesos,” said Conales.

She said that since the materials were radioactive, the NBI operatives wore Personal Protective Equipment to protect themselves from the radiation emitted by the materials.

On the same day, authorities searched the group's residence and seized approximately three kilograms of black powder, rock material, small metal items, and other contaminated materials, all of which tested positive for Uranium-235 and Uranium-238.

In addition, the NBI said PNRI found the residence to be heavily contaminated with an undetermined amount of depleted uranium powder. As a result, the area is currently undergoing decontamination efforts.

Meanwhile, Vistal, who had previously been at large, was arrested in a hot pursuit operation involving the NBI, PNRI, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City on Oct. 28.

On the same day, authorities seized several radioactive and contaminated materials, which tested positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235, including those found throughout Vistal’s house.

Since Vistal told the NBI that the depleted uranium was sourced from Cebu, Santiago instructed the agents to identify the source of the material and recover the remaining depleted uranium.

On Nov. 8 and 9, authorities carried out another operation in Mandaue City, seizing 60 kg. of metal blocks that also tested positive of Uranium-238 and Uranium-235.

Since they and the facilities are not licensed holders, the arrested individuals were brought before the Department of Justice for inquest proceedings and will face complaints for violating Republic Act 5207, or the Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act of 1968, in both the Pasay City and the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City courts.

“Lahat po ng ating naaresto ay walang lisensya para mag-possess, mag-trade, mag-sell, mag-store ng nasabing radioactive materials,” said Conales.

Risks of depleted uranium

Conales explained that depleted uranium is a toxic heavy metal and a main biproduct of uranium enrichment. It possesses the same toxicity as natural uranium.

She said that this toxic radioactive material is also “highly pyrophoric” or that by applying certain degrees of heat pressure it can already ignite spontaneously.

She further said that depleted uranium poses health hazards since it is carcinogenic, causing hazards to the lymph nodes, bones, and brain, and it can also increase the risk of breast cancers and lymphoma.

Conales likewise said that powdered depleted uranium can be more dangerous, especially when ingested.

She said that for the environment, depleted uranium also poses hazard. Since it is highly dense, it can be used as ammunition whose dust can contaminate a wide area.

“Because of that, ginagamit siyang bala, pagka-impact niya sa air palang it can spread up to two kilometers. Meaning, in that radius pwedeng ma-spread ang kanyang dust which is carcinogenic in nature,” Conales said.

She also said that depleted uranium can be used as dirty bombs or an ultimate weapon of terror if it is weaponized through the use of radiation dispersal devices.

Citing the PNRI, the NBI said uranium presents a significant threat to national security as it could potentially be used as a source material for nuclear weapons.

Mandue City government

In a separate interview, Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede expressed surprise about the recent operations, admitting that he was unaware of the sale of depleted uranium taking place in the city.

"Wala gyud ko kahibalo nga naa diay ingon ani nga activities diri sa Mandaue,” he said.

He also said he is willing to help in investigating who was behind the activity and when it started, offering to coordinate with the NBI Central Visayas (NBI-7) and local police to gather more information.

Bercede also said the investigation should be expanded to determine whether the material found in Mandaue City is indeed as dangerous as it is said to be.

Meanwhile, NBI-7 Regional Director Renan Oliva told reporters that their role was limited to assisting the NBI Central Office in applying for search warrants, securing the radioactive materials, and ensuring their proper handling during the operations.

He said that since the investigation is ongoing, only Santiago can make decisions on the matter, to avoid jeopardizing the case. — (FREEMAN)