BACOLOD City – The city government may soon regulate the operation of drones within jails to ensure public safety and security.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on second reading a proposed ordinance prohibiting drone operation within 100 meters from jails.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in this city has two facilities – in Barangay Singcang-Airport and Barangay Handumanan known as Metro Bacolod District Jail.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, author of the proposed ordinance, said the measure “will promote peace and order, enhance the physical security of the jail facilities and guarantee the safety and security of this city and its constituents.”
Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or drones, by their nature, can be used as a tool for gathering information via recording or photographs and there is a growing use of drones today, Espino pointed out.
The councilor said drones could be used to transport illegal drugs, deadly weapons and other contrabands, as well in the surveillance of jail facilities and premises, which could very well compromise the safety and security of the jails.
“The BJMP, pursuant to regulations issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, prescribes a standard operating procedure on the detection, prevention and handling of RPAS or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, aimed at maintaining the safety and security of jail facilities of this city,” Espino added./PN
