Police to shoot down drones during SONA

MANILA, Philippines — 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.

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.

At least 23,000 policemen – mostly from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) – will secure the SONA. Around 1,000 policemen from Central Luzon and Calabarzon will assist in providing security to SONA.

“On Sunday we will be on full alert,” NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters.

Around 2,000 government officials, dignitaries and VIPs are expected to be present at the Batasang Pambansa complex where Marcos will deliver his SONA.

As part of precautionary measures, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has imposed a three-day gun ban in Metro Manila starting today until Monday.

This means even licensed gun owners are prohibited from bringing their guns to public places as all permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) are suspended during the period.

Only police officers, soldiers and members of other law enforcement agencies performing official functions are exempted from the ban.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and other militant organizations are planning to mobilize around 10,000 people