The Philippine government is preparing to launch a national emergency hotline next month to help improve response during urgent situations.
“We are setting up our emergency hotline, and I’m confident that in just a few weeks, maybe by July, we’ll be able to launch it,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
The hotline, called the Unified 911 Emergency System, will be available first in four areas: the National Capital Region, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Ilocos Region, and Central Visayas.
Faster response, fewer prank calls
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the new system uses advanced technology to make sure emergency teams can respond faster. It also includes a way to detect and block prank or fake calls.
Frontline responders, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), will be the main groups responding to 911 calls.
The emergency hotline is part of a larger campaign led by newly appointed PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who wants to increase police visibility and ensure a five-minute response time during emergencies.
The authorities have also started placing more police officers on the streets as part of its “Cops on the Beat” program. According to the government, the hotline and the added police presence are both aimed at improving public safety and making emergency response more reliable.
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