The Philippine National Police (PNP) is urging the public to use the 911 hotline responsibly. The appeal was made following the reports where the PNP receives prank calls through the emergency number.

According to PNP Chief PBGen. Jose Melecio Nartatez Jr., repeated prank calls could automatically block their number from the system, preventing them from accessing the emergency hotline once they legitimately need help.

“Don sa sistema na yan ay kapag tumawag ka, 3 beses – prank call, iba-block ka na don. At by that time na kailangan mo na ng totoong pangangailangan, naka-block ka na. Sorry,” he said

[“Under that system, if you call three times – a prank call, you’ll be blocked. And by the time you have real necessity, you are already blocked. Sorry.”]

The PNP also emphasized refraining from making prank calls so that the responders can focus on those who really need help.