MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confiscated approximately 100 kilograms of radioactive materials, including depleted uranium, and arrested several suspects in an unprecedented operation against the illicit trade of nuclear materials.
In a media briefing on Monday, NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that the operations were launched following a request from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to investigate the illegal sale of depleted uranium, a substance that poses severe national security and health risks.
“Terror organizations are known to seek depleted uranium to enhance their weaponry. Its radioactivity and toxicity also present serious health hazards,” the PNRI said.
The investigation began when operatives took notice of a group led by Roy Cabesas Vistal offering radioactive materials passed off as “precious metals.”
On October 18, an NBI-led entrapment operation in Pasay City resulted in the arrest of Mae Vergel Zagala, also known as “Madame Mae,” Vistal’s supposed partner, and Arnel Gimpaya Santiago, his agent. Recovered during the operation were 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, both testing positive for Uranium-235 and Uranium-238.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago together with Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, hold a press briefing on Dec. 9, 2024 on the arrest of three individuals in possession of depleted uranium. The NBI and the PNRI seized 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, all positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 during an entrapment operation in Pasay City. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
NBI Director Jaime Santiago together with Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, hold a press briefing on Dec. 9, 2024 on the arrest of three individuals in possession of depleted uranium. The NBI and the PNRI seized 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, all positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 during an entrapment operation in Pasay City. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
NBI Director Jaime Santiago together with Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, hold a press briefing on Dec. 9, 2024 on the arrest of three individuals in possession of depleted uranium. The NBI and the PNRI seized 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, all positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 during an entrapment operation in Pasay City. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
NBI Director Jaime Santiago together with Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, hold a press briefing on Dec. 9, 2024 on the arrest of three individuals in possession of depleted uranium. The NBI and the PNRI seized 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, all positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 during an entrapment operation in Pasay City. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
NBI Director Jaime Santiago together with Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, hold a press briefing on Dec. 9, 2024 on the arrest of three individuals in possession of depleted uranium. The NBI and the PNRI seized 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, all positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 during an entrapment operation in Pasay City. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
NBI Director Jaime Santiago together with Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, hold a press briefing on Dec. 9, 2024 on the arrest of three individuals in possession of depleted uranium. The NBI and the PNRI seized 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, all positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 during an entrapment operation in Pasay City. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
NBI Director Jaime Santiago together with Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, hold a press briefing on Dec. 9, 2024 on the arrest of three individuals in possession of depleted uranium. The NBI and the PNRI seized 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, all positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 during an entrapment operation in Pasay City. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Subsequent searches of Vistal’s Pasay City residence revealed further contaminated items, including black powder and small metal materials. PNRI reported significant uranium contamination at the property, which is currently undergoing decontamination.
A nationwide manhunt led to Vistal’s arrest on October 28 in Cagayan de Oro City. A subsequent search of his residence there uncovered additional radioactive materials, including a 3-5 kilogram black pot and contaminated areas, including the family vehicle.
Initial investigation revealed that the group allegedly sourced the depleted Uranium from Cebu. This led to another operation from November 8 to 9 in Mandaue City, where authorities recovered 60 kilograms of block metals testing positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235.
The suspects are facing charges under Republic Act 5207, which governs the regulation of radioactive materials. Inquest proceedings have begun at the Department of Justice, and complaints have been filed in Pasay City and Cagayan de Oro courts.
Authorities continue to monitor for other possible networks engaged in the illegal trade of nuclear materials.
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