By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has renewed its appeal to the public to use the 911 emergency hotline responsibly, warning that prank calls and false reports could delay assistance to people facing real emergencies.

During a press conference yesterday, BCPO public information officer Dax Santillan said City Director Police Colonel Eugene Rebadomia continues to remind residents that the emergency hotline should only be used for legitimate incidents requiring immediate police or emergency response.

Santillan emphasized that prank calls and fabricated emergency reports waste valuable time and resources, potentially preventing authorities from responding promptly to individuals who genuinely need assistance.

He explained that the 911 system was established to provide faster and more efficient coordination among police officers and other emergency responders during critical situations within the community.

The reminder came after the Bureau of Fire Protection in Bacolod City received a false fire alarm involving a reported blaze in Barangay Villamonte.

Responders immediately proceeded to the area but later confirmed that no fire had occurred and that the report was merely a prank.

The BCPO called on the public to cooperate by refraining from making false emergency calls, stressing that such actions unnecessarily consume manpower, equipment and operational resources that should be reserved for actual emergencies.

Authorities reiterated that the responsible use of the 911 hotline plays a vital role in ensuring that emergency services remain available and effective for those who need them most./CCJ, WDJ