SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA)—Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III showcased the implementation of the 5-minute response time strategy to local officials and stakeholders in Sorsogon.
The demonstration, which aims for rapid police response to emergencies, took place during the inauguration and turnover of the newly constructed Sorsogon City Police Station and the Sorsogon City Police Station Multi-purpose Building on Sunday, June 30, where Torre served as the guest of honor and speaker.
Torre conducted a real-time demonstration to assess the efficiency of the police units in adhering to this protocol.
The demonstration simulated a realistic scenario, testing the readiness of local police units to respond to incidents.
Torre emphasized the importance of the PNP upholding principles of prompt service, integrity, and strong community relationships—these pillars will guide more meaningful law enforcement in the country.
According to Torre, this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make law enforcement more accessible to the public.
With the 5-minute response time strategy, the public can contact the police using the 911 emergency hotline, and the police units are expected to respond within five minutes.
“Our police officers are now visible on the streets, either on foot or in patrol vehicles equipped with radios and body cameras, ready to respond promptly to citizens’ needs,” Torre stated.
He further noted that police officers should be seen in the community, not confined in their offices. Their visibility and swift response are crucial.
“Don’t look for our police officers in precincts; we are available on your phones. Just dial 911, and we will respond within 5 minutes,” Torre added.
The system will utilize advanced technology to connect emergency calls directly to frontline responders. “We will even respond to callers looking for someone to talk to,” he stated.
Torre acknowledged the rising number of suicides in the country, proposing an additional option (Option 4) in the 911 system for callers who need someone to talk to. However, these calls will still undergo screening.
“If it’s a prank call, we will block the number immediately. If it’s legitimate, we can redirect the call to the appropriate hotlines,” he explained.
Currently, the 911 system, which routes through Camp Crame, offers three options: press 1 for police assistance, press 2 for the fire department, and press 3 for other emergencies.
PNP Regional Director Brigadier General Andre Dizon said that they have started implementing a consistent level of preparedness and effectiveness across the Bicol region.
This strategy is currently active in the cities of Ligao, Legazpi, and Tabaco in Albay; Iriga City and Naga City in Camarines Sur; Masbate City in Masbate; and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon, he said.
Source: PIA Bicol/Sorsogon