DILG boosts 911 emergency response

MANILA, Philippines — The operational capability of police units in Metro Manila to respond to 911 emergency calls will be increased with 73 new motorcycles from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla yesterday turned over the motorcycles to the National Capital Region Police Office.

NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano and DILG Undersecretary Jed Patrick Mabilog were also present.

With the traffic gridlocks in Metro Manila, Remulla said motorcycles are more effective than patrol cars in reaching people in need of immediate assistance.

Instead of spending 10 times more on a police car, Remulla said it is more economical and practical for the government to invest in motorcycles.

The motorcycles were distributed to police stations in Manila, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City and Taguig.

Other local government units in Metro Manila will also receive motorcycles in the future, Remulla said, adding that the Philippine National Police (PNP) refleeting program is held every year.

Abrahano thanked Remulla and PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. for their support, which he said is crucial in police emergency response operations.