7 unidentified drones shot down at SEA Games opening —authorities

More than a week after the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, authorities have revealed that they had to shoot down seven unidentified drones  during the games' opening ceremonies at the Philippine Arena as they were suspected to pose danger to attendees.

According to an exclusive report by Ian Cruz on 24 Oras on Wednesday, retired general Gregorio Pio Catapang, the director for Games and Security and Safety, decided to take down the drones minutes before the arrival of President Rodrigo Duterte with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

"May mga drones na kayang magdala ng mini bombs and then they just drop it," Catapang said.

The drones were taken down with drone guns, which their owners lost control over until they slowly dropped down from the air.

According to the report, three drones were taken down before the leaders' arrival while four drones in the flight path of the president's chopper were simultaneously taken down.

However, Catapang clarified they did not use real guns.

"Hindi naman binaril yun na parang baril na totoong baril, but an electronic gadget was used. Parang pag binaril namin yun, parang saranggola, parang mawawalan siya ng kontrol," Catapang said.

The drones were not recovered and no information on their owners were gained. However, according to authorities' assessment, the drones were of the commercial type, capable of taking videos.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

One drone came from the Malaysian team which did not know that the area was a no fly zone. 

Tight security were once again enforced on Wednesday during the closing ceremony at the New Clark City (NCC) Athletic Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, which also featured a drone show.

Aside from monitoring from the practical operations center, there will also be a mobile command center to better monitor the field.

Drones shields, equipment which can take down drones, snipers, and mortar locators were placed in strategic locations at NCC for security.

"More than enough lahat nung security natin," Catapang assured. — Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News