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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manila rescuers use thermal, AI drones to find missing 13-year-old at Baseco Beach

Manila rescuers use thermal, AI drones to find missing 13-year-old at Baseco Beach

Published Aug 23, 2026 11:59 am
Photo courtesy of Manila Police District
Photo courtesy of Manila Police District

Manila rescuers are using thermal and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drones in the continuing search for a 13-year-old boy who was reportedly last seen swimming at Baseco Beach in Port Area, Manila, the Manila Police District (MPD) said on Sunday, August 23.

The Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD) Search and Rescue Team deployed a thermal drone and an enterprise drone equipped with AI capabilities to aid the search and retrieval operation.

According to Ramon Jefferson Verano, officer-in-charge of the Emergency Data and Preparedness (EDP) and chief of the Manila Innovations Integrated GIS and Data Hub, the thermal drone can help detect heat signatures, while the AI-powered enterprise drone can assist in identifying people or other objects across wide and difficult-to-reach areas.

The drone technology was deployed as rescuers continued efforts to locate the missing child, who was reportedly last seen swimming at Baseco Beach.

Meanwhile, personnel of the Manila Police District's (MPD) Baseco Police Station (PS-13) monitored the search operation at Babuyan Block 17, Barangay 649, Baseco Compound at around 6:10 p.m. on Aug. 16.

Police said personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO), Barangay 649 Public Safety Officers (BPATS), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were in the area conducting search and rescue operations.

The PCG told police that it had received a report through 911 regarding an alleged drowning incident, prompting the search operation.

Police personnel continued to verify the report and sought individuals who may have information regarding the incident.

The PCG said the reported drowning remained under verification while search and rescue operations were ongoing.

Drone footage released by the MCDRRMD showed the technology being used during the continuing operation.

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