NBI lauds landmark conviction of ilicit trade of nuclear materials

Cagayan de Oro- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) lauds the landmark conviction of ROY CABESAS VISTAL, the mastermind in the illicit trade of nuclear materials, by the Honorable Municipal Trial Court in Cities in Cagayan de Oro City (CDO).

In the Decision dated 07 August 2025, the Municipal Trial Court in Cities in Cagayan de Oro City found VISTAL GUILTY of violation of the “Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act of 1968” (R.A. No. 5207) and sentenced him to one (1) year imprisonment.

NBI Director, Judge JAIME B. SANTIAGO (Ret.), stated that the Judgment against ROY CABESAS VISTAL is a “living testament” of the resolute and collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), regulatory agencies, and the intelligence community to protect the country and the Filipino people from threats to national security.

This case stemmed from the request for assistance from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to investigate the alleged illicit trade of depleted Uranium, in violation of R.A. No. 5207, as amended. Recognizing the urgency and seriousness of the case, NBI Director SANTIAGO immediately ordered the dispatch of the NBI agents to lead a relentless manhunt of individuals who, for value, offered to sell depleted uranium, a controlled radioactive material, to the public by misrepresenting it as precious metals, and continuous search and seizure of the said dangerous materials.

The NBI’s series of entrapment and hot pursuit operations, along with the implementations of Search Warrants for Violation of Section 16, in relation to Section 3(c), (n), and (o), and Section 64 of Republic Act No. 5207, as amended, with assistance from the PNRI and the AFP, resulted in the:

(1) Arrest of MAE VERGEL ZAGALA and ARNEL GIMPAYA SANTIAGO, and ROY CABESAS VISTAL on October 18 and 28, 2024, respectively.

The arrested Subjects were presented for Inquest Proceedings before the Department of Justice, Padre Faura. Subsequently, a criminal case for Violation of Section 6, in relation to Section 16, of Republic Act No. 5207, as amended, was filed before the Courts in Pasay City and CDO;

(2) Recovery of 20 kilograms of metal bars and 6 kilograms of black powder, all testing positive for depleted Uranium-235 and Uranium-
238, in Pasay City on October 18, 2024;

(3) Seizure of about 20 to 30 kilograms of contaminated and other radioactive materials, including a black pot with powder (and soil), weighing 3 to 5 kilograms, with significant radioactivity levels, that tested positive for Uranium-235 and Uranium-238, in CDO on October 28, 2024; and

(4) Seizure of about 60 kilograms of block metals that tested positive for depleted Uranium-235 and Uranium-238, in Mandaue City on November 9, 2024.

The PNRI warned that the illicit trade of depleted uranium, especially with its form and quantity, poses a serious threat to national security, should it fall to the wrong hands, since the same can be used as a feed material for Plutonium, a known material for nuclear weapon, or as “dirty bombs” or radiation dispersal devices (RDDs). Furthermore, if such radioactive metal is not properly stored, it can have adverse health effects on people in close contact with the material, particularly with long and constant exposure. The powdered form poses a greater risk if ingested or inhaled, as it could result in radiation poisoning, cancer, and kidney and lung diseases.

In light of the conviction and PNRI statement, NBI Director SANTIAGO finds this an opportune time to call upon the Senate and the House of Representatives to review and update R.A. No. 5207, impose stricter penalties against violators, and impress upon the public of the seriousness and gravity of any violation concerning nuclear safety and security.

Director SANTIAGO commended the NBI operatives from Office of the Director, Homicide Division, Special Task Force, National Capital Region, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Office, Central Visayas Regional Office, Cebu District Office, Bataan District Office, Dagupan District Office, Alaminos District Office, and the Olongapo District Office and partner agencies, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, as well as the intelligence community for their dedication and bravery in seizing the radioactive materials and arresting the suspects, in spite of the intrinsic health and safety hazards of the operations.