Baguio 911 prank callers warned

Pranksters continued to hound the newly established Baguio 911 prompting the city government to issue this warning:

“Prank calls made through Baguio 911 can now be traced and tagged.  Perpetrators are liable under applicable laws.  Please use Baguio 911 only in reporting emergency cases.  Let us be responsible citizens.”

Executive Officer V Felipe Puzon of the City Mayor’s Office who is overseeing the smart city command center where the 911 calls are being received said at least four names are now being chased for filing of appropriate charges.

“Another 700 are now being validated and will be chased and investigated.  We hope people will learn their lesson,” Puzon said.

He said around 22,000 prank calls had been received by the emergency line since it was granted the go live status Oct. 12 last year.

These calls outnumbered the legitimate ones.  Case-related calls dealt on medical emergencies, police assistance, vehicle accidents, crimes, nuisance, suicide cases and rescue assistance.

The helpline which operates 24/7 can be accessed by direct telephone calls or through the Baguio in my Pocket (BIMP) application at https://www.baguioinmypocket.ph. – Aileen P. Refuerzo