BACOLOD City Councilor Ricardo Tan pushed to expedite the installation and free use of 911 as a national and local emergency hotline which residents and tourists can easily access.
He said he is considering sending a request to Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
The move is in relation to the local government’s thrust to ensure the security and safety of its residents, and to provide emergency assistance to all those in need of immediate response on a 24-hour-basis.
At present, Bacolod is using Patrol 117 when seeking emergency medical assistance.
These needs usually arise especially during night time, weekend or holidays where most of government offices are closed, and in times of the occurrence of disasters and calamities.
The installation of 911 national and local hotline, is not only necessary but imperative, Tan said.
He noted that a local newspaper had reported that “local direct 911 call in Bacolod” is now underway, but it is still either the Cebu or Manila stations that would answer the calls because the telephone company concerned which provides such service “is still working on the system.”
Local and international tourists visiting Bacolod City and the Province of Negros Occidental would be more pleased in the event that such hotline is installed and become operational, Tan added.