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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP backs DILG drone procurement to boost manhunt, law enforcement operations

PNP backs DILG drone procurement to boost manhunt, law enforcement operations

Published Feb 13, 2026 04:30 pm
The Police Regional Office-Cordillera launches its drone unit called "Squadrone" at Camp Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet. (File photo: PRO-CAR)
The Police Regional Office-Cordillera launches its drone unit called "Squadrone" at Camp Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet. (File photo: PRO-CAR)
The Philippine National Police welcomed the national government’s plan to acquire drones equipped with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology to enhance law enforcement operations and improve manhunt capabilities.
The procurement of LIDAR-equipped drones was earlier announced by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jonvic Remulla.
LiDAR technology allows authorities to see through vegetation and map the ground underneath, which cannot be done by ordinary cameras. It also ensures faster data collection over large areas.
Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the strategic move will help eliminate the tactical advantage fugitives gain by hiding in dense terrain and forested areas.
“The Philippine National Police welcomes the plan of the DILG to procure drones with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) as this will certainly boost our operational capability of our personnel on the ground in the conduct of law enforcement operations,” he said.
According to Remulla, the LiDAR-equipped drones will be deployed “in the next few months” to hunt down fugitives such as former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, who is among those accused in the killing of journalist Percy Lapid in 2022; business tycoon Atong Ang, who is being hunted for his alleged role in the case of missing sabungeros; and for upcoming indictments in the flood control scandal.
The procurement of the advanced drones will also help ensure that the PNP keeps pace with other foreign police organizations, according to the PNP chief.
“As we aim to transition towards a technology-powered future through the use of drones and interconnected systems, we are also gearing to be at par with our counterparts overseas,” Nartatez mentioned.
“The Philippine National Police is determined to utilize these resources wisely not only to maximize our tactical advantage in law enforcement operations but also in protecting our personnel on the ground,” he added.
Last year, PGEN Nartatez said the PNP was working to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency through unmanned aerial systems which are capable of real-time monitoring and reconnaissance.

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PNP LiDAR drone Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
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