Quezon City Police District uses drone to catch robbery suspects

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) used a drone to track and capture two men who reportedly robbed the passengers of a jeepney in Barangay E. Rodriguez yesterday morning.

Kenneth dela Peña and Jomar de Leon, both residents of Barangay E. Rodriguez, boarded a passenger jeepney in front of a bank along Aurora Boulevard on Saturday night, police said.

The suspects allegedly robbed the passengers at gunpoint.

QCPD Station 7 operatives, along with drone teams and barangay officials, initiated a hot pursuit operation after identifying the suspects through closed-circuit television footage.

Police recovered a handgun, P554 worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and drug paraphernalia from Dela Peña and De Leon.

The suspects face charges of robbery as well as violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan commended all personnel involved in the operation and said they would continue using modern technology in their fight against criminality to maintain order and safety in Quezon City.

The QCPD launched its drone squadron in 2022, initially to help monitor cemeteries during the observance of All Souls’ and Saints’ Days.