The NBI recovers smuggled uranium during an entrapment operation in Pasay City last October 18, 2024. Handout/NBI

MANILA (UPDATED) — Authorities on Monday confirmed the arrest of 3 people who allegedly smuggled uranium into the Philippines and illegally sold it. 

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it arrested a certain Mae "Madame Mae" Vergel Zagala and Arnel Gimpaya Santiago last October 18, 2024 in an entrapment operation in Pasay City, leading to the recovery of 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, all positive for Uranium-235 and Uranium-238.

After 10 days, Zagala's partner, Roy Vistal was arrested in Cagayan de Oro City. 

"The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) discovered that Vistal’s residence in Pasay City is heavily contaminated with an undeterminable quantity of depleted Uranium powder.  As part of PNRI’s safety protocols, the area is currently undergoing decontamination procedure before its release to the owners," the NBI said in a press release. 

Uranium is a heavy metal sought after by terror organizations as it could be used to create weapons like dirty bombs and shields, the NBI said. 

It said it recovered 100 kilos of uranium from various locations where it was stored by the suspects. 

The suspects offered the uranium for sale as "precious metals", the NBI said. 

In its operation to search Vistal's residence in Cagayan de Oro City, the NBI seized several radioactive and contaminated materials. 

Authorities also detected severe surface contamination with Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 in the various areas of the residence, including the family vehicle. 

"Due to its radioactivity and toxicity, it (uranium) can expose the people in close contact with it to health threats," the NBI noted. 

It said it was looking into the previous transactions of the suspects.

It tapped the PNRI to store the seized uranium. 

Further investigation revealed that Vistal's group allegedly sourced the depleted uranium from Cebu.

On November 8 and 9, authorities confiscated about 60 kilograms of block metals, which tested positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235.

The three arrested individuals are now facing criminal cases for violating Republic Act No. 5207 or known as the "Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act of 1968."