Published on the 18th March 2025 by ANSTO Staff
Training hosted and delivered by ANSTO on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assisted the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to prepare for the successful management of a recent nuclear forensics operation.
According to international media reports, the Philippines National Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the PNRI, successfully seized and secured approximately 100kg of depleted uranium in Manila last year. The material, initially imported under the guise of a semiprecious metal, was intercepted following critical intelligence alerts from international partners. It is believed to be one of the largest seizures of radioactive materials in the region.
The incident was reported at the IAEA Consultancy Meeting on Nuclear Security Applications by Dr Vallerie Samson, Deputy Director, PNRI earlier this month.
In her report, Dr Samson emphasised the indispensable role of scientific collaboration and nuclear forensics guidance provided by ANSTO under a bilateral memorandum of understanding. She credited ANSTO’s sharing of their expertise as a cornerstone of the operation’s success.
Dr Samson and a colleague attended the IAEA’s Regional Training Course on Practical Introduction to Nuclear Forensics at ANSTO in January 2023 to learn theoretical and practical aspects of nuclear forensics with ANSTO staff, and experts from the IAEA, the US Department of Energy and Australian Federal Police.
“In the training, we were able to see how forensics is supposed to be undertaken. It helped us tackle the challenge with an analytical plan,” she said.
Fulfilling chain of custody reporting is pivotal in any investigation and must be very exact. PNRI had prepared these and other necessary forms needed for documentation purposes.
In addition, the PNRI had gained important knowledge participating in an exercise organised by the Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group, which distributes samples to participating laboratories for analysis. ANSTO also participates in these exercises.
She emphasised that this operation underscored the power of coordinated efforts and specialized knowledge in safeguarding national and regional security. It also reinforced global commitments to nuclear non-proliferation.
