The Office of Communications and Electronics Services (CES) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) shared safety and survival tips for citizens during this hectic season of short and long trips, and merrymaking.
CES Director Police Brigadier General Warren Gaspar Tolito reminded citizens of the increased possibility of accidents and emergencies during the holidays, citing increased traffic, electrical overload, improper use of fireworks and over indulgence in food and drinks as possible triggers for vehicular and medical emergencies.
General Tolito shared the good news that the PNP can now better and more quickly respond to emergency calls in Metro Manila and provincial areas because of its enhanced E911 capabilities. Tolito said PNP first responders now make it to the scene of the emergency within five minutes, thanks to its new system that is powered by the same technology used in the United States and Europe.
According to General Tolito, the 911 Call Handling System from the United States lets the PNP respond to distress calls and provide emergency response in unprecedented speed with accurate pinpointing of location. PNP first responders are able to provide solutions and assistance within five minutes or less, depending on location.
Citizens must remember only one number to dial – 911 — on their cellphones or landlines, then Press 1. They will immediately be connected to the PNP who will be able to determine their exact location and deploy first responders within seconds. They will reach the scene within the prescribed 3-5 minutes limit.
General Tolito advises everyone to keep calm and try to be as rational as possible. “Tell the person who answers what’s wrong, then share your name and location. The call handling technology will already be able to catch the contact details and pinpoint the exact location,” General Tolito said.
Other information like specific area of the building or property, the number of people affected or access to the property will be helpful as well.
“If reporting a crime in progress, try to observe and gather as many details as possible: number of suspects involved, clothes worn, gender, hair cut or length of hair. If a vehicle is involved, make and color or license plates, if visible, will be very helpful,” he added.
“The holiday season is a merry and busy season but it is a challenging time for emergency call takers and responders. This is the time when accidents from drunk driving usually occur, fires break out due to neglected appliances or Christmas lights, people suffer medical emergencies due to overindulgence or fireworks. Thefts and break-ins also happen, especially when the property is unoccupied,” Gen. Tolito said.
The most common cases that the PNP responds to are vehicular accidents, public disturbances, domestic violence, robbery and theft.
He advises residents to lock and secure their homes and vehicles before leaving, keeping lights on at night or even during the day to deter robbers, and exercise caution when answering the door.
“At the first sign of trouble, call 911, then press 1,” the General advised. “We answer almost all of our calls within 1-minute and will be ready to respond and ensure that your holidays are safe and enjoyable.”
The PNP’s quick-response operations are a direct result of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Revitalized Emergency 911 initiative, its CORE system powered by NGA 911 LLC, a leading 911 service provider of Next Gen Technology of the United States, General Tolito shared.
