Baguio: More residents of this city are turning to the "911" hotline for help after response time became shorter resulting from the joining of more telecommunication companies in the program.
According to Philippines News Agency, data from the city government revealed that in 2024, the Baguio Smart City Command Center received 17,006 legitimate calls, which were dispatched to the appropriate response offices, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Emergency Medical Service (EMS), and various medical facilities.
Aileen Refuerzo, chief information officer of the city government, noted an increase in the number of legitimate callers, indicating more people are accessing and trusting the services of 911. In 2024, there were 3,328 calls for emergency assistance attended by agencies such as the PNP, BFP, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), and EMS. Additionally, 13,678 calls on inquiries and general assistance were also promptly attended.
Calls were also received through the CDRRMO and EMS hotline, with 1,066 incidents communicated via very high frequency (VHF) radios from the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO). Refuerzo highlighted that 911 has gained public trust due to its efficient service.
Records indicate that response times range from one to three minutes up to about six minutes. The entry of more telecommunication companies has facilitated easier access to the helpline. Refuerzo explained that all telecom companies are now integrated, allowing cellular phone calls to 911 within Baguio to go directly to the Baguio call center.
The collaboration among key telecommunication companies enables the Baguio 911 to directly receive calls from users of Smart Communications, Talk and Text, Globe Telecom, Touch Mobile sim and landlines, and Philippine Long-Distance Telephone (PLDT). Mayor Benjamin Magalong previously stated that the Baguio 911 continues to be a cornerstone of the city's public safety infrastructure, providing a crucial resource for emergency response since its commissioning in 2021.
