ANTIQUE — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is reminding the public to use the nationwide 911 emergency hotline for fire-related incidents and other emergencies, assuring callers that the service is accessible even without mobile phone load.
Antique Provincial Fire Marshal Supt. Patricio Collado said the Unified 911 system allows the public to quickly reach emergency responders as long as there is a cellular signal.
“Basically, 911 is a nationwide emergency hotline. It can be used anywhere in the country. Even without load, you can dial 911 from your cellphone because it is an emergency hotline,” Collado said in an interview.
The Unified 911 system was established by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Modernized and Integrated Philippine Emergency Report Handling Response System to provide a centralized emergency response service nationwide.
According to Collado, emergency calls from Western Visayas are received at the Region VI Satellite Command Center in Leganes, Iloilo. A regional operator then relays the information to a provincial dispatcher, who immediately coordinates with the nearest fire station.
He said firefighters are expected to respond within seven minutes after receiving the report.
Collado emphasized that the BFP’s role extends beyond firefighting, noting that under Republic Act No. 11589, or the BFP Modernization Act, the agency is mandated to respond to all types of emergencies, whether natural or human-induced.
“The Bureau of Fire is catering to any emergency, not only fire incidents. Our mandate now covers all emergencies, whether man-made or disaster-related,” he said.
Aside from the BFP, the Unified 911 system can also be used to contact the Philippine National Police and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices for immediate emergency assistance.
The BFP encouraged the public to make responsible use of the emergency hotline to ensure prompt response during emergencies and avoid unnecessary delays in delivering critical services./PN
