Dinagyang limits drone use to accredited operators

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Dinagyang Festival organizers have limited drone operations during key events to accredited operators as part of heightened security measures for this year’s celebration in Iloilo City.

Public Order and Safety Management Office operations chief Cyril Octavio said drone accreditation is required to ensure the safety of festivalgoers, citing unregulated drone use as a potential security risk.

“Drone use is restricted, limited. Drones should not be used unless there is a permit from POSMO, considering that drones are a security threat,” Octavio said during a press conference Jan. 16.

He said all drones used by media organizations, vloggers and side event organizers must be properly accredited.

Octavio said unpermitted drones could be used for surveillance or other malicious purposes that may endanger public safety.

He said POSMO is currently withholding the issuance of permits and prioritizing applications endorsed by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. to ensure coordination with festival organizers.

To secure a permit, POSMO requires an endorsement from the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. confirming that operators are recognized by both the festival organizer and the Iloilo City government.

Octavio warned that unregistered drones will be stopped from operating or confiscated if found violating the rules.

“All drone operators must be accredited by the IFFI and pass through the Sub-Site Task Group for Dinagyang. The Iloilo City Police Office will also be provided a list of accredited drone operators,” he said.

The annual Dinagyang Festival, one of the Philippines’ largest religious and cultural celebrations honoring the Santo Niño, draws large crowds to Iloilo City every January, prompting authorities to tighten security protocols, including airspace monitoring, to prevent disruptions during major performances and activities.