The Mandaue City Council has approved an ordinance regulating the use of laser lights, drones, kites, and balloons to strengthen aviation safety, citing the city’s proximity to Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
City officials said the measure responds to reports of increased drone activity and other airborne objects that could endanger aircraft during takeoff and landing.
Mandaue City falls within the airport’s area of responsibility, making stricter airspace controls necessary.
City Councilor Jesus Arcilla Jr., author of the ordinance, said the airport authority requested the city’s support after incidents involving lasers, drones, kites, and balloons entering aircraft flight paths.
“These activities pose serious risks to aviation safety, especially in areas where aircraft fly at low altitude,” Arcilla said.
A public hearing will be conducted before the ordinance’s final approval.
Once implemented, all 27 barangays in Mandaue City will assist in monitoring and enforcing the ban on unauthorized flying objects within their areas.
The ordinance declares it city policy to protect public safety, property, and welfare by regulating light displays and the operation or release of flying objects.
Covered items include laser lights and pointers, laser and searchlight displays, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, remotely piloted aerial systems, kites, moored and free-floating balloons, and other remotely controlled flying objects.
Exemptions apply for government use, authorized research and flight testing, emergency signaling, and scientific or meteorological activities conducted under government authority. Balloons released indoors are also excluded.
Laser use is strictly regulated. Directing lasers or searchlights at aircraft or along flight paths is prohibited, as is pointing them at individuals in a manner that could cause fear, harassment, or disturbance.
Displays may only target buildings and must not project beams into the sky.
Drone operations face stricter guidelines. Only registered drones are allowed, and operators must secure a permit from the Office of the Mayor.
Requirements include completing training, possessing aviation-related certification, logging at least five hours of flight experience, maintaining valid insurance, and having no violations in the past five years.
Drone flights are limited to a maximum altitude of 400 feet, conducted during daylight hours within the operator’s visual line of sight.
Flights are prohibited within a 10-kilometer radius of Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Benito Ebuen Air Base, or over crowds, public gatherings, or densely populated areas without clearance from the Mayor’s Office.
Recreational drone flying may be allowed under conditions, including weight limits, insurance coverage, and assurance that operations do not interfere with emergency or law enforcement activities.
The ordinance imposes a total ban on kite-flying within city airspace, with parents or legal guardians held accountable for violations by minors.
The release of free-floating balloons filled with lighter-than-air gas is prohibited, especially during public events. Moored balloons may only be used with clearance from the Office of the Mayor and compliance with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) height restrictions.
Violators face penalties as provided under the ordinance.
MCIAA General Manager Julius Neri Jr. earlier urged Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede to support the ordinance, citing hazards such as unauthorized drones, laser pointing, kite-flying, and balloon releases.
He noted that Lapu-Lapu City has already passed a similar measure and encouraged Mandaue City to do the same to ensure flight safety.
The ordinance is scheduled for second and final reading following the public hearing. (VCL)
