Mandaue bans lasers, drones, kites, balloons over city airspace

The government of Mandaue City has tabled an ordinance regulating, or banning, the use of laser lights, drones, kites, and balloons in the city's airspace.

- Kristin de Dios/RAE

This measure aims to mitigate risks to aviation safety, especially considering the city's proximity to Mactan-Cebu International Airport.The measure was filed because Mandaue City is part of the area of responsibility (AOR) of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority.

City officials have reported an increase in the use of unregistered and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in Mandaue, which pose a potential hazard to aircraft during landing and takeoff at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

In an interview with City Councilor Jesus Arcilla Jr., author of the ordinance, said MCIA requested the City Council to ban laser, kites, drones and balloons, considering that Mandaue is part of the airport's area of responsibility.

"Mao ni usa sa nag cause ug mga aksidente," said Arcilla. Before the final approval of the ordinance, magpa tawag pa og public hearing.

Arcilla explained in the regulation, each 27 barangays across the city tagaan gyud sila og responsibilidad para pagbantay sa ilaha nga gi bawal na jud na tanan mga laser, mga kites, mga drone, ibawal na jud na siya.

In the draft ordinance, it is the main policy of the City Government of Mandaue is to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent with the use of laser light display, and the use and release of any flying objects within the airspace of Mandaue City.