HOTLINE 911, an emergency telephone number, will become operational nationwide starting Aug. 1 this year to help people wanting to report an accident or to know the number of the nearest hospital to contact during an emergency.
The number is the result of President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for quick action to help those in distress. All one has to do is dial 911 for help during an emergency.
During Duterte’s term as mayor of Davao City, the city created a Central Communications and Emergency Response Center, or what is known today as Davao City Central 911.
The hotline works 24/7 and is manned by people who work like call center agents.
They verify reports and refer these to the nearest police station or hospital for proper action.
In a visit to Davao City recently, some reporters went to Davao Central 911 as part of the Department of Tourism’s Davao familiarization tour.
All it takes is to dial 911 in case of an emergency in Davao City, and help is assured.
Now, 911 is no longer just an emergency number in Davao City as Hotline 911 will soon be available nationwide.
NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba says Globe subscribers may start accessing 911 on Aug. 18. For the meantime, however, Globe can provide the Hotline 117, which has the same function.
The public must note that Hotline 911 is different from Hotline 8888, which will be created for public complaints.
