ANTIQUE – Residents across Antique province can now access emergency services faster and more efficiently following the official launch of the 911 Emergency Hotline, the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) announced during the provincial government’s flag-raising ceremony on Monday, August 4.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert Mansueto, deputy provincial director for operations of APPO, the hotline is now fully operational and accessible via mobile or landline — free of charge.
“This is a five-minute response time system implemented within a five-kilometer radius. The 911 hotline is free of charge, whether you’re using a mobile phone or landline, as long as the call is legitimate and involves police, fire, or medical emergencies,” Mansueto emphasized.
All police personnel and patrol units in the province are now integrated into the system, enhancing the delivery of public safety services in Antique.
The Antique police reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining peace and order, emphasizing that the launch of the 911 hotline is a major step forward in improving public safety and emergency response across the province.
“We continue to strive for a safer, more secure Antique. The integration of 911 into our system is proof of our commitment to serve the community better and faster,” Mansueto said.
Alongside the launch of the hotline, the APPO also presented its operational and administrative accomplishments for the first half of 2025 and the month of July, reflecting its ongoing commitment to law enforcement and community service.
From January to June, the APPO conducted 22 anti-illegal drug operations, seizing over 470 grams of shabu worth P3.2 million and arresting 28 suspects, including 14 high-value targets. In July alone, four more drug operations resulted in the seizure of 234 grams of shabu worth P1.59 million and the arrest of five more suspects.
On illegal gambling, 16 operations in the first half of the year led to 48 arrests and confiscation of P7,603 in bet money, with three additional operations in July netting seven arrests and P1,603 in bets.
In the campaign against loose firearms, 20 operations yielded 18 arrests and 24 firearms, while an additional 62 were surrendered and 32 deposited voluntarily. In July, four more operations led to three arrests, six seized firearms, 15 surrendered, and one deposited.
The police also made significant strides in tracking down fugitives, arresting 235 wanted persons in the first half of the year, including 12 regional, 13 provincial, six station-level, and 204 other individuals. Another 31 were arrested in July: three regional, one provincial, one station-level, and 26 others.
In the fight against environmental crimes, 59 anti-illegal fishing operations from January to June resulted in 100 arrests, P16,177 worth of fish, and P14.4 million in fishing paraphernalia seized. In July, nine more operations saw 38 violators apprehended, with P10,720 in fish products and P666,000 in equipment confiscated.
On illegal logging, 22 operations led to 25 arrests and recovery of over 12,000 board feet of lumber worth P520,000. Four July operations also netted four suspects and 215 board feet valued at P10,000.
The APPO also highlighted its Police Community Relations (PCR) efforts. In Barangay Jalandoni, Culasi, following a fire incident, they distributed 40 relief packs and provided meals to 28 affected families. In Barangay Bacalan, Sebaste, support was given to flash flood victims.
A notable outreach event was held in Barangay Badiang, San Jose de Buenavista on July 26, benefiting 80 Indigenous People (IP) students and 90 families through the distribution of school supplies, slippers, food packs, and clothing. The event was supported by Gov. Paolo Javier, Congressman Antonio “AA” Legarda, and San Jose’s Mayor Paul Untaran.
In the aftermath of Typhoon “Crising”, which caused flooding and landslides in Sebaste, the APPO joined the “PRO-6 Bayanihan: Typhoon Relief Mission” led by Police Regional Office 6 director Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, distributing aid to 175 families in Barangay Alegre./PN
