In what soon be a a bureaucratic feature around the world, drone operators will need to get licenses in order to operate  them. As we have been cautioning before, as camera drones become more affordable, even more will be up in the air and can cause hazards to commercial aircraft above and to the crowded populations below.

In the Philippines, if you do not get a licence to operate one, you will face a very stiff penalty. Those who plan to cover airsoft events in the Philippines with camera drones should consider getting one.

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, owners are required to register their drones with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), before they can fly them. If they are caught flying unlicensed drones, they will receive a penalty between PHP300,000 to PHP500,000 (US$6,700 to US$11,200).

CAAP Deputy Director for Operations Gen. Rodante Joya says that, "They cannot fly drones over congregations of people, on busy streets, near government buildings and installations, especially within airports due to safety concerns." Which is a reflection of safety authorities worldwide as more and more drones go up in the air.

In cases of important events, only media practitioners are allowed to fly drones, which of course should also be licensed.

The Philippine government is imposing a no-drone policy throughout the visit of Pope Francis which is ongoing as of this writing.