CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Either they will be confiscated or shot down if airborne by a sniper.
This, as the Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) Committee on Monday stressed that the flying of drones taking aerial shots during the world renowned “Ligligan Parul” or giant lantern festival on December 17 will be totally banned.
During a press conference at Heroes Hall here, Executive Committee member Marni Castro emphasized that the banning of drones or any other type of “floating cameras” or flying objects is part of the strict and comprehensive safety and security measures during the festival where thousands of spectators are expected to troop to Robinsons Starmills in this city.
He disclosed that due to the sensitivity of the times, drones have been included in the prohibited items within the area encompassing the giant lanterns. Last year, a drone operated by a South Korean hovered the festival grounds.
“You see, if a drone can carry a camera, it is also capable of carrying say, a stick of dynamite. So this year, to be very sure of the safety of spectators, the executive committee altogether banned the use of drones for taking aerial photographs. Kung may pasaway, we will either confiscate the drone or have it shot by a sniper. Ganoon ka strict ang security this year as we put all contingencies in place,” emphasized Castro.
A drones is classified as a flying object that carries camera with it, now being widely used in media production for an aerial shot.
Castro stressed that if a drone can carry a camera, it can also carry other objects which can cause danger or hazard to the viewing public which the working committee is avoiding.
"Iniiwasan po natin na may mangyaring hindi maganda dito dahil kapag may nangyari, it will take decades for us to recover again," he said.
Aside from drones, spectators are also discouraged to use backpacks and other large bags as well as wearing of bullcaps for security purposes. According to GLF 2016 Executive Committee Chairman Jim Jimenez, this will also avoid long lines at the gates that may inconveniences.
Castro added that the Philippine National Police will be on full force and will be augmented by force multipliers forces to man and secure the venue and its vicinity.
"Naka-ready kami sa sa security but we are also asking yung cooperation ng tao para maging maayos itong festival natin na halos isang taon nating pinaghahandaan," he said.