PNP Engages Volunteer Groups for Emergency Psychosocial Support
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is actively coordinating with pastors, volunteer organizations, and health professionals to assist in managing 911 calls related to emergency psychosocial support. According to PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, these partnerships aim to provide timely help for those seeking someone to talk to during crises.
“Yes, we are now in talks with the volunteer groups that will participate. If there’s someone who needs someone to talk to, we will pass that on to the volunteer groups. I have already talked to some pastors. We have also talked to a group of health professionals,” Torre said in Filipino during a recent press briefing.
Expanding 911 Emergency Psychosocial Support Services Nationwide
Earlier this year, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced plans to incorporate psychosocial support into the existing 911 emergency call system. A dedicated desk in the DILG’s 911 Command Center will now handle calls requiring mental health assistance, with professionals from the National Center for Mental Health deployed to support this initiative.
Last week, the DILG revealed efforts to upgrade the nationwide 911 system. This upgrade enhances community protocols for disaster preparedness by enabling more local government units (LGUs) to operate multilingual emergency call centers. These centers are directly linked to police, fire, and medical responders, ensuring faster response times and improved coordination at the grassroots level.
“This allows for faster deployment and clearer coordination at the community level,” local officials noted.
Improving Community Safety Through Collaborative Efforts
The collaboration between the PNP, volunteer groups, and health professionals marks a significant step toward holistic emergency response. By integrating psychosocial support into the 911 system, authorities hope to address not only physical emergencies but also the mental and emotional needs of Filipinos in distress.
This initiative reflects a growing awareness of mental health’s importance in public safety and community well-being. It also underscores the value of volunteerism and inter-agency cooperation in strengthening emergency services across the country.
For more news and updates on emergency psychosocial support, visit Filipinokami.com.
