Are Drones ILLEGAL in the Philippines?

Is it illegal to fly a drone in the Philippines?  Are drones illegal in the Philippines? Yes, if you don't have written permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).  These are the drone laws in the Philippines. 

I contacted the CAAP before I went to the Philippines to request permission to fly my drone also known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).  It will take about 1-2 weeks to get permission from the CAAP so you may need to plan ahead before you leave for your trip.

The CAAP also noted that Airport customs may confiscate your drone if you don't have written permission from the CAAP to fly the drone in the Philippines.  Furthermore, the Airport Customs may charge you an import tax of 100,000 PHP (about 2000 USD).  This is video shows you what you need to know bring your drone to the Philippines.  I hope this video helps.  If you liked the video, please hit that like button and if you want to see other videos, consider subscribing.  Hope to see you again.  

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
- http://www.caap.gov.ph/

CAAP UAV Memorandum (latest one I could find on their website - but I did receive a later version from 2015)

- http://www.caap.gov.ph/index.php/downloads/send/115-2014/443-mc-35-14-amendment-to-pcar-part-4-11unmanned-aerial-vehicle-uav

For drone inquiries and requests, please contact:
- flightoperations@caap.gov.ph
- weguevarrajr@caap.gov.ph

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Here is a sample letter I sent via email:

To

Capt. Donaldo A. Mendoza,

Assistant Director General-II, FSIS-CAAP,

I would like to kindly request permission to bring my small drone (UAV) into the Philippines and operate it for recreational purposes only, from [DATE].  I intend on flying the small drone in remote areas of northern Luzon such as by the ocean.  When I leave the Philippines, I will bring my drone home with me. Please find the specification of the drone below for you reference.

DJI Mavic Pro Drone

Serial Number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CMIT ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXX

FCC ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dimensions:

Folded: H83mm x W83mm x L198mm

Diagonal Size (Propellers included) 335mm

Weight (Battery & Propellers included) 743g

More Info: https://www.dji.com/mavic/info

Sincerely,

XXXXXXXXXXXX