Drones barred over poll areas

GOVERNMENT security forces are set to strictly implement no-fly zones over national canvassing centers in Metro Manila on Election Day.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to declare the airspace over Intramuros in Manila, over the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, and over the House of Representatives in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, as no-fly zones on May 9.

The declaration of no-fly zones is part of security measures for the elections, and for the canvassing of votes that will be conducted in the three areas.

“All forms of unmanned aerial vehicles, drones and rotary aircraft that have no clearance from the CAAP are ordered to stay clear of the said areas,” read the statement from the AFP Public Affairs Office headed by Col. Noel Detoyato.

Detoyato said the AFP and the Philippine National Police will strictly enforce the no-fly zones and will “shoot down all unmanned aerial vehicles on sight,” including drones./rga

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