The government of Mandaue City is taking decisive steps to impose new regulations on activities involving laser lights, drones, kites, and balloons. This move comes directly in response to urgent safety concerns raised by the authorities of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
Airport Request Spurs City-Wide Action
Councilor Jesus Arcilla, who chairs the Committee on Energy in the Mandaue City Council, confirmed that the proposed ordinance was initiated by a formal request from the airport's management. The request is based on the fact that Mandaue City falls entirely within the airport's designated area of responsibility.
"The request came from the Mactan Airport. Because Mandaue City falls within its area of responsibility, the use of lasers, kites, drones, and balloons needs to be strictly prohibited," Arcilla stated. He emphasized that these items have been officially identified as significant hazards to aircraft, particularly during the critical phases of takeoff and landing.
Barangays to Lead Enforcement Efforts
The proposed measure aims for comprehensive, city-wide regulation. A key feature of the plan is the central role assigned to the barangays. Each of the 27 barangays in Mandaue will be tasked with monitoring and ensuring compliance within their own jurisdictions.
"This will be regulated. The airport has requested that this be strictly enforced, and each barangay will be given the responsibility to watch over and make sure that lasers, kites, drones, and similar objects are no longer allowed," the councilor explained. He clarified that the rule will apply uniformly across the entire city, as all barangays are under the airport's safety jurisdiction.
Penalties and Next Steps
While the scope is clear, the specific penalties for violating the proposed ordinance are still to be determined. Councilor Arcilla said the fines and sanctions will be a major topic of discussion during an upcoming public hearing. He noted that airport authorities will provide crucial input in deciding appropriate penalties.
"The penalties will still depend on the outcome of the public hearing. The airport authorities will help decide what the penalties should be," Arcilla said. As of now, a schedule for this public hearing has not been set, as the city government is still coordinating with MCIA management on their availability.
The councilor assured the public and media that updates will be provided once the hearing is finalized. This regulatory action highlights the growing need to balance recreational and commercial use of airspace with the paramount importance of aviation safety.
