MANILA – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is exploring the possibility of using trained birds to address two pressing aviation concerns – illegal drone operations and bird strikes near airports.
During a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services on Tuesday, Capt. Ian Michael del Castillo, head of the CAAP Aerialworks Certification and Inspection Division, discussed the agency’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s skies.
"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," he said.
Del Castillo told the panel that countries like Ireland, France, and the Netherlands have already deployed trained birds to neutralize unauthorized drones.
Additionally, trained birds could help divert other birds that may cause dangerous strikes near airports.
The Senate Committee on Public Services also tackled the regulation of drone ownership alongside other public safety issues, such as the dangers posed by dangling utility wires.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, who chairs the panel, aired his concern 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?” he asked.
Del Castillo said airports have no anti-drone measures at the moment because the technology is too expensive.
He cited that a subscription-based anti-drone service costs USD1 million a month.
He told Tulfo that CAAP is currently studying other options, noting that as technology progresses, prices tend to go down.
Under CAAP regulations, operating drones within the 10-km. aerodrome radius of 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.
The agency 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 PHP20,000 to PHP100,000 and th