Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III emphasized that the 911 emergency hotline is fully operational during the PNP’s flag-raising ceremony on Monday.

Torre expressed surprise that many members of the public are still unaware that 911 has replaced the former 117 as the country’s reorganized and upgraded emergency hotline.

“What surprises me is that many still do not know we have effectively reorganized and recalibrated 911,” said Torre.

“Marami tayong mga kababayan hanggang ngayon ang hindi pa alam at hindi naniniwala na ang 911 ay gumagana (Many of our fellow Filipinos still do not know or believe that 911 is working),” he added.

Torre called for public support in spreading awareness about the hotline, emphasizing its role in ensuring faster emergency response through digital communication.

“Please help me, help me ipakita sa ating mga kababayan, i-advertise sa ating mga kababayan ang pulis ay ma-ko-kontak na through 911 (Please help me, help me show and advertise to our fellow citizens that the police can now be contacted through 911)” Torre pleaded.

He also touched on the positive feedback the PNP has received regarding improved police visibility and intensified response during the speech.