PNP tells public: 911 can also be used for disaster-related emergencies
The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to maximize the use of the Unified 911 hotline during disasters and calamities to ensure faster emergency response and improve public safety.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the Unified 911 Hotline connects callers to the police, fire, medical, and rescue services through a single emergency number.
“This hotline was not created solely to address crimes but also to respond to the needs of all our kababayan during natural calamities, including typhoons,” Nartatez said.
“Whether for preemptive evacuation, search and rescue operations, or other emergencies, this hotline is a lifeline for everybody,” he added.
Nartatez said early reporting of emergencies allows responders to act faster, especially during severe weather when every minute can save lives, adding that the PNP wants more Filipinos to become aware of the hotline and use it whenever immediate assistance is needed.
He said the hotline is an important part of the government's disaster preparedness efforts and complements the response of local government units and other emergency responders.
Nartatez said the they continue to strengthen their emergency response capability through the Unified 911 hotline as part of the efforts to provide faster and more accessible public service during emergencies