Police to shoot down drones during SONA

For the first time, police will use anti-drone guns in securing the House of Representatives in Quezon City where President Marcos will deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

- EMMANUEL TUPAS

The Quezon City Police District has purchased three state-of-the-art anti-drone guns, which are capable of shooting down military-grade drones, QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said.

“The drone guns that we have now have powerful specs, and they can take down almost any kind of drones, if necessary,” Maranan told reporters. He declined to share details for security reasons.

There will be a no-fly zone within a 10-kilometer radius over the Batasang Pambansa complex on Monday. “All drones spotted within a 10-kilometer radius will be shot down or disabled,” he said.

Maranan clarified there is no imminent threat to the SONA and that their acquisition of anti-drone guns was part of usual precautionary measures.

He added that operators of drones that stray into the 10-kilometer no-fly zone could face criminal charges.

Police units in Metro Manila will go on full alert tomorrow in preparation for Monday’s SONA.