By Hilda Austria
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The government’s emergency hotline “911” and the police’s five-minute quick response program have made possible the arrest of crime suspects, while assistance was given to several others, the Pangasinan Police Office (PPO) reported.
Data presented during the PPO’s briefing here recently, showed three persons arrested and facing various cases after calls made to 911. One individual from San Fabian town now faces frustrated homicide after he was apprehended on August 5; another one from Infanta town on August 7, for rape case; and another one from Villasis town, on August 8, for murder.
Two others were apprehended — a stabbing incident suspect from San Jacinto town who was arrested on August 6, while his victim was brought to a hospital; and another one, on August 7, who was arrested after police responded to an incident at the village hall in Barangay Bocacliw, Aguilar town.
Authorities were also able to respond immediately to a vehicular traffic incident in Barangay Cauplasan, Sta. Maria town on August 5; a domestic violence report in Barangay Buenlag, Calasiao town on August 6; and a stranded motorist in Dagupan City on August 8.
PPO spokesperson Lt. Trisha Mae Guzman said a total of 172 calls were received by the hotline in the province alone from August 2 to 10, 2025.
During the same briefing, PPO officer-in-charge Col. Arbel Mercullo said there is a 99% implementation rate of the 5-minute response time in the province’s highly urbanized areas, but not in rural areas due to geographical issues.
“But we are working on it. We are studying the bi-sectoring (of these areas) so that all police (personnel) will be stationed strategically in every sector so they can respond to within the five-minute time,” he said. He likewise reminded the public that only emergency calls should be made to the hotline, otherwise, they will face certain consequences set by law.
The five-minute response time is in line with Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s three leadership pillars — swift and responsive public service, unity and morale within the ranks, and accountability through modernization. (PNA)