CITY OF SAN FERNANDO Central Luzon cops battle it out during Police Regional Office III’s (PRO-3) Tactical Drone Competition 2023 on Tuesday at the Camp Captain Julian Olivas in this city.

PRO3 drone operators from different provincial and city police stations, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion joined the said competition.

It was held to showcase the participants' skills and competence in drone operation.

The activity also assessed the effectiveness and efficiency of the region on the current police operational procedures using the lightweight aerial asset.

These include the degree and level of adequacy of preparation, and effectiveness and accurate response in addressing various situations using drones.

The participants displayed their basic operational and tactical drone techniques and performed in three stages -- Obstacle Course, Tactical Identification of target, and Drone Support to Tactical Operation

PRO-3 Director, Brigadier General Jose Hidalgo, said the use of drone in law enforcement is a game-changer for the Philippine National Police.

“These aerial vehicles provide real-time surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities, making it easier for us to respond to emergency situations, and monitor large areas especially those involved in anti-insurgency operations,” he said.