MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday said month-long operations resulted in the seizure of about 100 kilos of radioactive depleted uranium and the arrest of three individuals.
In a belated press release, the NBI said an entrapment operation in Pasay City in October resulted in the arrest of two and recovery of 20 kilograms of metal bars and three kilograms of black powder, all positive for uranium-235 and uranium-238.
A third suspect was nabbed in Cagayan de Oro City a few days later. Seized were an additional three kilograms of black powder, rock material, small metal materials and other contaminated items that all tested positive for uranium.
Earlier, representatives of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) met with Director Jaime Santiago to seek assistance in investigating the illegal trade of depleted uranium.
The PNRI said depleted uranium poses a serious threat to national security because such can be used as source material for nuclear weapons as well as conventional armor defeating rounds.
Additionally, due to its radioactivity and toxicity, it can expose the people in close contact to health threats, the NBI said.
On November 8 and 9, another search and seizure operation in Mandaue City recovered about 60 kilograms of black metals, also positive for uranium.
The suspects will be charged with violations of Republic Act No. 5207, or the amended Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act. (PNA)