THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) eyes trained birds to address their problems about illegal drones and bird strikes near domestic airports.
During a public hearing by the Senate Committee on Public Services on Tuesday, Capt. Ian Michael del Castillo, head of the CAAP Aerialworks Certification and Inspection Division, tackled the agency’s efforts to promote aviation safety in the country.
“The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has no expertise in the matter, but we would definitely look into that possibility. The CAAP is still actively looking into ways and means to safeguard our skies, not only our airports,” Del Castillo told the senators.
He noted that countries such as Ireland, France, and The Netherlands have already deployed trained birds to neutralize illicit drones.
Trained birds could help divert other birds that may cause dangerous strikes near airports, he added.
The Senate panel mulls tighter regulation of drone operations alongside other public safety concerns including loose utility wires.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the panel, aired his anxieties over the vulnerability of the country’s airports and military installations to drone attacks.
“Drones had been used in the Russian-Ukraine war, and there is a possibility that terrorists will use drones here for a specific target. So, nobody is safe. Do we have anti-drone measures in our airports installed for 24/7?” Tulfo asked.
Del Castillo said local airports have no anti-drone measures at present because the technology is quite expensive.
He pointed out that a subscription-based anti-drone service costs $1 million a month.
According to him, the CAAP is currently studying other options, adding that as technology progresses, prices tend to go down.
Under CAAP regulations, operating drones within the 10-kilometer radius from an airport is strictly prohibited. Drones are also prohibited from flying above 120 meters.
While the CAAP regulates drone use in the country, it is also collaborating with various government agencies to enhance drone safety measures, Del Castillo said.
He added that the CAAP enforces strict drone regulations, which include registration requirements, commercial flight permits, and restrictions on flying near populated areas or within proximity to airports.
Penalties for violating drone regulations include fines ranging from P20,000 to P100,000 plus confiscation of drones.