Map of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in relation to Mindanao. BARMM comprises the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Lanao del Sur in the mainland and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi, the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato and 63 villages in six North Cotabato towns that voted for inclusion in the BARMM in February 2019. Map courtesy of the BARMM website.
KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 19 July) – Local government units (LGUs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been encouraged to regulate the use of drones as these could be used for terrorism, surveillance and illegal drugs trade, among other illegal activities.
Minister of the Interior and Local Government Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba sought the regulation of drones, also called unmanned aerial vehicles or remotely piloted aircraft, across the Bangsamoro region.
“If left uncontrolled or unregulated, these drones can be readily exploited for unlawful or covert purposes, such as the transportation of illegal drugs, lethal weaponry or prohibited goods,” she said.
“(These drones can also be used in) conducting surveillance on government installations, particularly those involved in investigative activities, law enforcement, and prisons, thereby presenting significant security concerns,” she added.
Dumama-Alba filed before the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Resolution No. 601 urging LGUs to enact an ordinance to regulate the use of drones in their respective jurisdictions.
The BTA, also known as the Bangsamoro Parliament, is the interim body tasked to govern the Bangsamoro region, which is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato.
The measure was referred to the committees of local government, and transportation and communications for deliberation last July 15.
In pushing for the regulations of drones in the Bangsamoro region, Dumama-Alba, a lawyer, cited the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ Memorandum Circular No 29-15 series of 2015.
The CAAP memorandum outlines the rules and guidelines for the operation of UAVs in the country, covering various aspects of drone use, including registration, certification and operational limitations.
Dumama-Alba noted that drones are widely available in the Bangsamoro region.
“These are employed without ‘significant barriers’ for a range of purposes, including commercial, recreational or personal uses within the geographical confines of the BARMM,” she said.
Dumama-Alba said that LGUs can collaborate with the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in developing an effective drone regulation.
The ordinance should generally be aligned with CAAP guidelines, she said, adding that it should promote safe and responsible drone use while addressing issues related to privacy, security and environmental concerns. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
