CBRN event in Philippines on Sun 18th January 2026

18th January 2026

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Scientists have detected what they described as "unusually high" levels of a radioactive substance called iodine-129 in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)—the chemical often used as a clue to track nuclear activities.

The study was conducted by experts from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, and the University of Tokyo.

Researchers tested 119 samples of seawater from different parts of the Philippines and found that the iodine-129 levels in the WPS were much higher than in other areas—suggesting something is bringing it there.

Even though there are no nuclear plants or known nuclear activities in the area, experts believe the iodine-129 may have traveled from far away.

Contextual analysis

Analysing the event count by highlighting the presence of munition categories over a six-month data period.

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Philippines (PHL)

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