911 emergency, 8888 complaint hotlines to be launched in PH this August
The 911 emergency and 8888 complaint hotlines will be available 24/7 in the Philippines this coming August, according to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
(Photo credit: Pilipinas 911)
The hotline number ‘8888’ will serve as the hotline for citizen complaints, while ‘911’ emergency hotline will be for nationwide emergency response center. Dialing these hotline numbers will make the emergency process easier and more efficient for the citizens because it immediately connects with all the government’s emergency response resources, like ambulances, fire-fighters, rescue technicians and the police. While this rescue system was first launched and effectively used in Davao in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would like to replicate the system in the whole country.
A total of P176-million worth command center equipped with the latest equipment and technology is now open in Manila. It is the idea of Manila Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno. Located on the fourth floor of Manila City Hall, the command center will also provide work for 90 agents who will provide disaster, medical and crime assistance and dispatch the closest first responders to medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and social casualties like drowning and fire.
This emergency response system has been proven effective in Davao City, making it rank as the 4th safest city in the world. It was also considered as the most peaceful city in East and Southeast Asia for seven years and it couldn’t be more possible for this to happen not only in Davao but to the whole country now. Our hopes are set the highest for this.
Sources: Rappler, Inquirer, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, Sunstar