Photog flying drone nabbed

MANILA, Philippines–A man was arrested Saturday for flying a camera-mounted drone near a hotel a few blocks from where Pope Francis was staying in Manila, a police official said on Sunday.

Michael Sy Yu, 35, was arrested by policemen for flying the drone near the Diamond Hotel at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Dr. J. Quintos Street in Malate, Manila, around 9:30 a.m.

The Pope, however, was not in Manila at the time, having flown to Tacloban City in Leyte to say Mass and condole with the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”

Journalists covering the papal trip were staying at the hotel where press conferences on the Pope’s trip were also held.

Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, Philippine National Police spokesman, said Yu was a photographer for Snaps Creative Inc. and was operating the drone.

He said charges of violating the government’s prohibition on flying drones anywhere remotely near the Pontiff during his five-day visit to the country would be filed against Yu. The penalty includes a hefty fine.–Marlon Ramos