PNP pushes for wider 911 use as one of protection tools for MC taxi riders
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be coordinating with motorcycle taxi community for crime prevention and protection matters, especially in the use of 911 emergency hotline as part of stronger measures to prevent attacks and speed up police response during emergencies.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., said aggressive information drive is also being done for the public to be fully aware of the proper use of the 911 hotline which the government has been expanding for all emergency purposes in any part of the country.
“Motorcycle taxi riders should not hesitate to call 911 at the first sign of danger. If they feel threatened, are being followed, or encounter suspicious behavior, contacting 911 immediately allows the PNP to coordinate the fastest possible police response and provide assistance before the situation escalates,” said Nartatez.
He issued the call following the recent fatal stabbing incidents involving motorcycle taxi riders in Caloocan City and Cavite. The perpetrators in both cases were immediately arrested in follow-up operations.
Nartatez assured the riding community that the PNP is strengthening its partnership with ride-hailing companies and local police units to improve rider safety.
“We understand the fear and concern these incidents have caused among our motorcycle taxi riders,” said Nartatez.
“The PNP is strengthening coordination with ride-hailing companies and local police units to enhance preventive measures, increase police visibility in high-risk areas, and ensure that those who prey on hardworking Filipinos are swiftly brought to justice,” he added.
Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said four new command centers for 911 emergency hotline were activated in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.
Each facility was equipped with 21 dialect-sensitive operators and emergency telecommunicators.
According to the DILG, the expansion was intended to shorten response times and improve coordination among responders for all emergency response.