DILG to pranksters: Spare Hotline 117

Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes appealed to the public yesterday to refrain from making prank calls to Hotline 117 so as not to congest the network and block calls for emergency assistance.

Reyes issued the call upon learning that 99 percent of total calls received by the 117 Call Center in Metro Manila, particularly in Commonwealth and Fairview are illegitimate calls, which include pranks calls and those seeking directory assistance.

"Illegitimate calls clog the line of 117, which prevent other calls. As a result, some people think that no one responds to calls," Reyes said. "I am calling on the public to spare the hotline from such calls so that it can effectively relay to authorities reports of emergency cases."

In the past, calling 117 has proven effective in cases of fire, public disturbance and other emergency situations. Many lives have been saved with the timely arrival of authorities, who are advised by 117 operators.

Patrol 117 executive director Armi Borje asked the public to be extra patient when calling 117 as she assured callers that operators try their best to accommodate all of them despite limited consoles.

Patrol 117 in Metro Manila operates with 16 consoles and eight additional lines for queuing purposes. This means that it can only accommodate 16 calls at the same time with the 17th caller placed on standby.

Normally, a caller may have to wait several rings before the call can be attended to by 117 operators because of the limited numbers of terminals.

In another development, Reyes directed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to be on alert during New Year celebration when many firecracker-related fire incidents take place.

BFP director Rogelio Asignado cancelled all the vacation leaves for firemen.

He appealed to the public to observe safety measures to avoid fire incidents.