DILG brings Patrol 117 advocacy to schools
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is now embarking on a massive Patrol 117 advocacy in schools to heighten the awareness of students about the emergency hotline campaign for the proper use of the facility and avoid prank calls.
DILG regional director Evelyn Trompeta said at present there are four available landlines provided by the Bayantel that can cater to emergency calls by dialing 117.
DILG assistant division chief of the operations services and supervisor of the advocacy team Cherryl P. Tacda said at present Patrol 117 can accommodate calls from PLDT, Globelines landlines and Bayan Wireless.
For those who are using cellular phones can call 300-0652.
Tacda said that 117 calls using cellphones will be answered by their Cebu or Manila offices and although it is being forwarded to Iloilo it might take time and the response might not be within the seven-minute dispatch time.
Meanwhile, another purpose of the advocacy is to reduce the number of prank callers to serve the objective of the emergency line which is to save lives.
“Patrol 117 is for emergency; to save lives. If they use it to make a prank call then they become a deterrent for the project to achieve its purpose,” Trompeta said.
From January to May this year, Patrol 117 received 5,200 prank calls and only 260 legitimate calls.
Tacda said others are trying to test if the numbers are working while several just dial and either listen or hung up.
After the advocacy in schools, the next target groups are the non-government organizations (NGOs). (PNA)