Drone owners in Makati will have to keep their aircraft grounded for the rest of the month. The city government has banned all drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles across the city for the whole of November as it prepares to host meetings tied to the 49th ASEAN Summit.
“The operation of drones and similar unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be strictly prohibited throughout the city for the whole month of November 2026,” the city said in a public advisory on Monday, November 2, Daily Tribune reported. WWC One Media is following the summit preparations in Metro Manila; more local news is on our Philippines hub.
The ban is broad. According to Inquirer.net, the advisory covers recreational, commercial and media drone operations in all barangays and public spaces. That means television crews and news photographers are covered along with hobbyists.
Why the city is closing its airspace
Makati said it will host activities and high-level meetings involving Philippine government officials, foreign heads of state, dignitaries and international delegates during the summit period. The restriction aims “to ensure the safety of our guests and the entire community,” the city said.
In its Facebook post, GMA News Online reported, the local government said the measure was meant “to ensure smooth security and communications during the upcoming ASEAN 2026 events hosted in our city.” The city urged drone owners, hobbyists and residents to cooperate.
“We kindly ask for the cooperation and understanding of all drone owners, hobbyists, and residents during this period,” the advisory read, as quoted by Inquirer.net.
The reports on the advisory did not mention a penalty for violators, a permit or exemption process, or whether government and security flights are covered. Residents and operators with questions will need to check with the city government.
A summit that closes out the Philippine chairmanship
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are set for November 16 to 18 in Metro Manila. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier declared those dates special non-working holidays for the capital region.
Philstar.com noted that the summit marks the end of the Philippines’ year as ASEAN chair before leadership passes to Singapore for 2027. US President Donald Trump and other world leaders are expected to attend.
Security around the event is set to be heavy. The Philippine National Police has said it will deploy some 16,000 police officers and force multipliers to secure ASEAN delegates, according to Philstar.com.
What it means for Makati residents and businesses
Because the rule is citywide rather than limited to a ring around venues, a flight over a residential barangay is covered the same way as one near a meeting place. Real estate firms, event organizers, wedding photographers and content creators who regularly fly drones in the business district will need to plan around the ban, at least until the end of the month.
The restriction is one of several measures expected around the summit week. Residents should watch for further advisories from the Makati government and national agencies on traffic, road closures and security arrangements as the November 16 opening approaches.
