Tulfo: Train eagles vs. illegal drone attacks

The senator pointed out that other countries are already using eagles to shoot down drones.

Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines and Philippine Eagle Foundation

PH needs anti-drone technology

During a recent panel hearing, Committee on Public Services Chairperson Raffy Tulfo expressed concern about the lack of anti-drone technology in the country. Since anyone can purchase drones, the senator noted that these may be a threat to national security as these can be equipped with high explosive bombs.

Capt. Ian Michael del Castillo from the Flight Operations Department of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said there is still no system for this because of their high costs. He said they are currently studying the acquisition of an anti-drone technology solution that will cost USD 1 million USD for subscription or approximately PHP 58M per month.

Billy Pascua, an expert in anti-drone solutions, meanwhile, said that there is a cheaper and effective way to have anti-drone measures in airports such as the use of highly trained birds that are actually trained to chase and shoot down drones.

Tulfo agreed, saying that based on his research, the Netherlands and France are already using eagles. Pascua added that Ireland is using this solution in airports.

CAAP please mag-train na tayo ng mga eagles siguro. Marami tayong eagles di ba? Tulfo said, adding that the importation of eagles may be also considered.

The senator also urged CAAP to study the possibility of obliging commercial airline companies to contribute to subsidize the acquisition of the anti-drone solution as this will also benefit the companies.

What do you think guys?

Source: Senate of the Philippines; Via: ABS-CBN News