Shadowy uranium trade reaches PH, raises fear of ‘dirty bomb’

MANILA, Philippines—After months of covert surveillance, authorities launched five operations to seize an unprecedented 100 kilograms of depleted uranium in a case that raises many alarming questions surrounding the radioactive material whose enriched form is key in making nuclear bombs.

The crackdown on the previously unheard-of illicit uranium trade brought government law enforcers to several locations nationwide.

The operations, led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) along with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), resulted in the confiscation of depleted uranium in the form of 80 kilos of metal blocks, 6 kilos of powder, and 20 to 30 kilos of other radioactive and contaminated materials — all of which have been found to have “elevated readings of radiation” and positive for Uranium-235 and Uranium-238.

In a radio interview, DOST-PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla disclosed that the operation was launched following a crucial tip-off from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) earlier this year.

The IAEA, the nuclear watchdog of the United Nations (UN), has been closely monitoring the illegal trafficking of radioactive materials in Southeast Asia. The breakthrough came when a whistleblower provided the IAEA with information about an underground network allegedly involved in the illicit sale of uranium in the Philippines.

Philippine authorities acted on the alert, initiating a months-long collaboration with the NBI, PNRI, and international agencies. This coordinated effort led to the arrest of three individuals: Roy Cabezas Vistal, the alleged mastermind; Mae Vergel Zagala, known as “Madame Mae” and identified as Vistal’s partner; and Arnel Gimpaya Santiago, who reportedly served as Vistal’s agent in facilitating transactions.

Nationwide operations

The nationwide operations began at Vistal’s residence in Pasay City on October 18, where authorities seized three kilograms of black powder, rock, small metal materials, and other items positive for Uranium-235 and Uranium-238.

A separate entrapment operation on the same day led to the arrests of Zagala and Santiago, with authorities recovering an additional 20 kilograms of metal bars and three kilograms of black powder containing uranium. The PNRI reported that the house is heavily contaminated with an undeterminable quantity of depleted uranium powder.

Read more about the details of the crackdown:
NBI arrests 3 individuals involved in depleted uranium trade
Over 100 kilos of uranium seized in Pasay, CDO and Mandaue

On October 28, Vistal was arrested at his residence in Cagayan de Oro City following another search operation by the NBI and PNRI, supported by military forces. The investigation then led to two more operations in Mandaue City from November 8 to November 9.

“All those we arrested did not have a license to possess, trade, sell, or store the said radioactive materials,” said Zulikha Marie Conales, the NBI agent assigned to the case.

Those arrested, according to Conales, violated Republic Act No. 5207 or the Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act of 1968.

“All NBI-recommended cases before the Department of Justice have been filed,” said Conales.

Health risks of Uranium exposure

Depleted uranium, while not as radioactive as enriched uranium used in nuclear weapons, poses significant health risks.

“‘Yung radiation galing sa depleted uranium hindi naman ganoon kalakas kasi nga napiga na ‘yung fissionable [materials], pero ‘yung powder pag nalanghap mo [at] nandoon na sa loob ng lungs at liver mo, magkakaroon ng alpha emission, magkaka kanser ka,” Arcilla explained, stressing that while these may take years to manifest, the danger is real.

(The radiation from depleted uranium is not very strong since the fissile materials have already been processed. However, if the powder is inhaled and remains in the lungs and liver, it can emit alpha radiation, increasing the risk of cancer.)

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, exposure to uranium in its various forms can also result in chemical toxicity, affecting the kidneys and other organs.

Long-term exposure may lead to severe health complications, including respiratory illnesses and genetic damage. Several studies also found that children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to these effects, as radiation exposure can harm developing tissues and cause birth defects.

Those arrested by the NBI underwent cytogenetic examinations to assess potential signs of radioactive radiation exposure. This process helps detect any genetic damage caused by exposure to radioactive materials.

“They’ve been holding the material (depleted uranium) for over a year already so they really are exposed,” said Conales, adding that “the problem with DU (depleted uranium) is that its health hazards are not immediately apparent.”

Although agents, personnel, and counterparts involved in the crackdown and arrests wore protective gear, they were required to undergo decontamination procedures after each operation. The raided residences, which tested positive for depleted uranium contamination, also had to be decontaminated by the PNRI.

“We are certain that the areas cleared by the PNRI pose no further risk. However, there is still an area in Pasay undergoing decontamination. It has been over a month, and we hope to release the unit soon,” said Conales.

‘Terror’ threat

Beyond health concerns, uranium’s potential misuse in terrorism looms large. Authorities confirmed that the material could be weaponized into a “dirty bomb,” a device that disperses radioactive material, inciting fear and chaos.

While dirty bombs are not nearly as powerful as a nuclear weapon, Conales said it is still “the ultimate weapon of terror.”

“That being said, if it falls into the wrong hands, it could definitely increase the weaponry of non-state actors or terror organizations,” she said.

While concerns persist that the arrested individuals were illicitly selling and trading depleted uranium to the public, potentially raising fears of its misuse by terror groups, the NBI clarified that their investigation found no evidence linking the suspects to intentions of terrorism, affiliation with non-state actors, or membership in terror organizations.

Arcilla, in a radio interview on Radyo 630, clarified that authorities did not find any bomb-making materials during the operations. He added that the arrested individuals were only involved in buy-and-sell activities, with no evidence of more dangerous or terror-related intentions.

In addition to its potential use in creating dirty bombs, the IAEA and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explained that depleted uranium, due to its exceptional density, is commonly used in the production of weapons, military armor, and radiation shielding materials.

“[D]epleted uranium, especially [in its] solid state, [has a] very high density. So if you use it as a bullet, it can penetrate almost anything,” said Arcilla.

A small pellet of uranium the size of a pencil eraser produces as much energy as a ton of coal, or three barrels of oil, or about two fuel tankers of natural gas, according to a 2020 article posted by the PNRI.

Sold, labeled as precious metals

One surprising revelation was the suspects’ tactic of misrepresenting depleted uranium as precious metals like rhodium or palladium to attract potential buyers. According to Conales, these metals can fetch up to P6.8 million per kilogram on the market.

“In our investigation, the sellers, our subjects, did not sell to Filipinos. They were intending to sell to foreign individuals. What’s even more concerning is that they were passing it off to the public as though it were a precious metal,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English.

“And that’s the danger because you wouldn’t know it’s actually radioactive material, and you might end up buying it. Then what if the individuals who acquire it have the capability to test and discover that it’s depleted uranium? So, you see, whether unknowingly or knowingly, you buy it — there’s risk involved. Whether it’s a health risk or a terror threat,” she added.

NBI Director Judge Jaime Santiago (Ret.) revealed that the team successfully established contact with a potential buyer from Dagupan, further solidifying the case against Vistal and his group.

“He (the buyer) said that when he learned it was dangerous, he decided not to take it. What was being offered to him, he said, was with Vistal. It was offered to him, but he didn’t take it,” Santiago said.

Broader implications

As investigations into the illegal sale and trade of depleted uranium involving the three arrested individuals continue, Arcilla remarked that the operation is not large-scale.

“I thought they were incredibly wealthy,” he said. “The smugglers believed they could deceive others by selling it as a rare and precious metal, expecting to make hundreds of millions, but they couldn’t.”

“As far as I’m concerned, it was a very important case that was solved, although it’s not yet complete. It doesn’t seem like he’s (Vistal) a terrorist; perhaps he just wanted to make money. Maybe he even managed to deceive someone,” he added.

While authorities believe they have dismantled a key part of the network, the case raises pressing questions: Where did the depleted uranium originate, and how widespread is the trade?

The NBI confirmed that the recovered depleted uranium did not originate in the Philippines and is believed to have been smuggled into the country. Efforts to trace its source are ongoing, with the investigation being conducted in coordination with foreign counterparts, including Interpol, the FBI, and other international agencies.

Arcilla suggested that isotopic studies could provide valuable clues about the origin of the seized uranium. “Each uranium mine has a unique isotopic signature,” he explained, emphasizing that such analysis could help trace the materials back to their source.

“[W]e are working closely with our counterparts to determine the next steps moving forward—how to address this issue and even locate other individuals who may have already purchased these materials, whether locally or abroad,” said Conales.

Legal gaps, push for reform

The arrested individuals have been charged with violating Section 16, in relation to Section 6, of Republic Act No. 5207. The law specifies:

“Any person who willfully violates, attempts to violate, or conspires to violate, any provision of Section six or sixteen of this Act, shall upon conviction thereof, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of not more than ten thousand pesos, (P10,000.00) or both.”

However, due to what authorities believe is an outdated and lenient penalty under this decades-old law, two of the three arrested individuals were able to post bail last week.

“That’s what we hope can be addressed — amending the law — because the potential hazards, effects, and risks it poses to society are not adequately reflected in the penalties,” said Conales in a mix of Filipino and English.

Authorities expressed optimism that the outdated law governing radioactive materials will be revisited. They also emphasized the importance of continued government support for the PNRI and law enforcement agencies to enhance their capacity to address similar cases effectively.

“Right now in the Senate, I’m praying for this, there is a bill to create the independent nuclear regulatory — the safety, safeguards, and security bill,” said Arcilla, referring to Senate Bill No. 2899 or the proposed Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act.

The proposed measure seeks to:

• Establish the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, otherwise known as the PhilATOM;
• Establish a legal framework to govern and facilitate the peaceful, safe, and secure uses of nuclear energy;
• Protect people and the environment against the harmful effects of ionizing radiation; and
• Enable the Philippines to meet its international obligations on the use of nuclear energy.

“[T]he nuclear regulatory have to be independent,” said Arcilla.

“If the law is passed, it will establish PhilATOM, which will oversee the regulation and licensing of nuclear power plants and radioactive materials,” he explained. This agency would streamline processes and ensure compliance with updated safety standards, addressing gaps in the current regulatory framework.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the author of the bill, recently advocated for its passage and the establishment of PhilATOM, aiming to enhance the regulation of nuclear energy and materials in the country.

“Doon sa mga may agam-agam, may doubt sa nuclear power plant at nuclear energy: this bill is not to put up a nuclear power plant. It’s precisely to have the institution and the right people to be able to assess the use of nuclear energy in our country,” Cayetano said.

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