'Di na late sa bakbakan': Marbil orders police units to strictly observe 3-minute response rule
Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police units nationwide to strictly implement a three-minute response to all requests for police assistance, especially those channeled via the 911 emergency calls, or E911.
The policy is part of the PNP’s reform program to ensure quick police presence and counter-action against criminal elements, citing recent cases in Davao Region and in Metro Manila wherein the three-minute response rule led to the immediate arrest of crime perpetrators.
“This initiative is part of the PNP’s commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring that all communities, particularly the most vulnerable, receive prompt and effective police assistance,” said Marbil.
“Every Filipino deserves a quick and efficient police response, regardless of their location or status. The revitalized 911 hotline is not just a technological improvement; it is a crucial component of our mission to make every community feel secure and supported by the PNP,” he added.
The E911 replaced the Patrol 117.
The innovation in the emergency call includes an advanced technology designed to reduce response times and improve coordination among emergency services.
Marbil stressed the importance of PNP personnel being fully prepared to respond to emergency calls with the highest degree of urgency and professionalism.
“Our citizens rely on us during emergencies, and we have to ensure that every 911 call is met with the swift and effective response it deserves. This directive is more than just a procedural requirement—it reflects our unwavering commitment to serve and protect the Filipino people, ensuring peace and safety across the nation,” said Marbil.
“This is the essence of what the President has been saying, that everybody should walk at night, and that they should feel secure. That’s the real essence of peace and order,” he added.
He also urged the public to use the 911 service responsibly, stressing that the system's effectiveness depends on the cooperation and good judgment of all citizens.
But what would happen to police units that would fail to do so?
Marbil said an investigation will be conducted to determine if there is negligence on the part of the concerned units: “We will file administrative cases if there’s no acceptable reason.”
For years, policemen have been the subject of disdain for allegedly responding too late in every criminal incident, a negative perception that was aggravated by some television programs and films.