COMPOSTELA, DAVAO DE ORO — An agricultural drone became entangled in an electrical power line in Purok 5, Barangay Maparat, Compostela, Davao de Oro, triggering a power interruption in the area on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
The incident was reported by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORDECO) in a Facebook post at around 1 p.m. The cooperative said the drone became caught in a power line in Maparat, resulting in a brownout.
“Nasangit ang usa ka drone sa linya sa kuryente sa Purok 5, Maparat, Compostela, Davao de Oro hinungdan sa brownout,” NORDECO said.
The incident highlights the potential safety risks posed by flying drones and other objects near electrical infrastructure, particularly as drones are increasingly being used in agriculture, commercial operations, and other activities.
NORDECO reminded the public of Republic Act No. 11361, or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, which prohibits the placement or operation of objects that may obstruct or interfere with power lines. The law also specifically addresses activities such as flying kites and other objects in areas where they could come into contact with electrical lines.
The cooperative stressed that such restrictions are intended to prevent dangerous contact with energized power lines and help maintain the reliable delivery of electricity to households and establishments.
Cause of Incident Not Yet Established
As of the initial report, it has not been established whether the drone involved in the incident was being used for agricultural operations, nor has NORDECO or another authority publicly identified the operator or determined the exact cause of the accident.
It remains unclear whether the incident resulted from pilot error, a technical malfunction, loss of control, environmental conditions, or another factor.
There is also no confirmation at this time that the drone was connected to the province’s ongoing efforts to introduce drone technology into agricultural production.
Davao de Oro Expands Agricultural Drone Technology
The incident comes as Davao de Oro continues to explore the use of drones as part of efforts to modernize agricultural practices.
The technology is being promoted for a range of agricultural applications, including farm mapping, fertilizer application, pesticide spraying, pest and disease monitoring, and crop health assessment.
Provincial agriculture officials have said the use of such technology is intended to reduce production costs, improve farming efficiency, and ultimately contribute to increased agricultural productivity across the province.
However, the Maparat incident underscores the importance of ensuring that agricultural drone operations are conducted with strict safety measures, particularly in communities where farms, roads, homes, and other operating areas may be located near electrical infrastructure.
Safety Reminder for Drone Operators
The incident serves as a reminder that drone operators must account for hazards beyond the immediate farming area before launching or controlling an unmanned aircraft.
Electrical power lines can be difficult to detect from a drone’s perspective, especially when operating at low altitude or in areas with dense vegetation and other visual obstructions. Contact between a drone and an energized line can also pose risks not only to the equipment but potentially to people on the ground and the electrical distribution system.
For now, the priority remains the safe restoration and continued reliability of electricity in the affected area, while authorities and concerned parties may determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Maparat power-line incident also demonstrates that as drone technology becomes increasingly integrated into modern agriculture, innovation must go hand in hand with responsible operation, regulatory compliance, and public safety.