Emergency 911 System to Unite 34 Cities Nationwide
All 911 hotlines in 34 cities will soon be connected under a unified Emergency 911 system by August, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla announced. This integration aims to streamline emergency response and improve lifesaving assistance across the country.
During a visit to the PNP Command Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Remulla explained that this new Emergency 911 system will merge local government units’ hotlines and CCTV feeds directly into the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s command center. This centralization promises faster coordination and more effective police responses.
Local Languages Supported to Enhance Response
The upgraded Emergency 911 system will also accommodate various regional languages, including Ilocano, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, Waray, Bisaya, and Tausug. This feature ensures callers can communicate in their native tongue, facilitating quicker and clearer assistance.
“Sa bagong sistema, I think the PNP will have a better response time and better quality of response,” Remulla said, highlighting the expected improvements in police reaction time and service quality.
Project Details and Procurement
The system contract, valued at PHP1.41 billion, was awarded to a local IT firm, ePLDT, following a bidding process last July 6. Currently, the Department is conducting the necessary post-qualification procedures to finalize the deal.
Backup Support and Enhanced Police Mobility
Remulla reassured the public that existing LGU emergency hotlines will remain operational and serve as backup dispatch centers if needed. To complement the new system, the government will also supply over 1,000 motorcycles and vehicles to the Philippine National Police, boosting their mobility and response capabilities.
“We will address a lot of mobility, 1,000 plus motorcycles, 1,000 plus vehicles,” the Interior Secretary added, emphasizing the commitment to improve police logistics.
PNP’s Rapid Response and Advanced Monitoring
During the tour, PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III showcased the command center’s advanced technology, including real-time maps, live monitoring, and GPS-enabled tools. These innovations enable the police to track incidents instantly, drastically cutting response times.
Gen. Torre highlighted the police force’s pride in maintaining a 5-minute response time policy. He assured the public that with this system, assistance is always just a call away, eliminating the need to search for officers on the streets.
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