President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered increased police visibility and the implementation of a single emergency hotline to improve public safety and emergency response.
In the first episode of the BBM Podcast aired Monday, May 19, Marcos Jr. directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure police officers are more present in communities.
“So ang una naming ginawa, inutusan ko silang – ng DILG at saka Chief PNP – sinabi ko sa kanila, dapat laging may nakikita na pulis na naglalakad. Kasi pagtagal ng panahon, nakikilala mo na ‘yun,” according to him.
The President said that building familiarity with local police helps foster trust and a sense of security.
He also emphasized the need for faster police response, aiming for officers to arrive at emergency scenes in under five minutes.
To improve coordination during emergencies, Marcos Jr. said the government will unify the various crisis hotlines into one number.
“Di ba mayroon tayong iba-iba eh – 119, 911, 999, kung ano-ano. Gagawin naming isa,” he concluded.IMT
