THE Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) urged owners of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System or aerial drone to secure a permit and register their device to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) for security purposes.
PSSCC head Benito de Leon said on Thursday, August 24, that with the accessibility and availability of drones in the commercial market, anyone could have the chance to own one may it be for commercial and non-commercial use, thus, they have again reminded those who have this device to seek authorization from Caap to be certified.
"The use of drone is specifically prohibited and they should be appropriately cleared by our security officials,” he said.
Memorandum Circular 29-15 of April 13 required drone operators to have license to ensure its safety for public use. He cited for instance that it might be risky especially for inbound aircrafts.
He added that they are mulling to pass an ordinance that would regulate the use of drones and provide clearer guidelines on its utilization.
"This is still being discussed. To minimize confusion, we have to come out certain guidelines for this. We will ask the assistance of City Council," De Leon said.
De Leon said that flying drones in other countries were used for surveillance to carry ammunitions.
There was already an incident last June (not Tuesday, August 22, as earlier reported) wherein two students were arrested by the members of Presidential Security Group after they were caught flying an aerial drone over the house of President Rodrigo Duterte at Doña Luisa Subdivision, Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City.
The arrested were identified as Calvin Clyde Juyad, 20, of Green Land, Toril District and Camille Ngoho, 20, a resident of Don Lorenzo, Toril District, Davao City. Police said the students were caught flying a drone over Duterte's house which is highly prohibited.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Police Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan said the case was settled and instead of filing charges, the suspects donated the drone instead to the DCPO which they used in their security monitoring.
Recently, they also apprehended a person who was operating at Apo View but it was learned that he was from Air Asia and after short profiling, it was found out that they have permit to operate.
Based on the memorandum, operators are prohibited to operate in populated areas, airports and no-fly zones, including military training camps and Malacañang.
Violators will be fined P300,000 to P500,000 per unauthorized flight.