Sablan officials to sanction emergency hotline pranksters

By Susan C. Aro

SABLAN, Benguet – Officials here enacted on ordinance to penalize pranksters of emergency hotlines for crime, disasters, calamities and other emergencies that require immediate response.

Violators and will be penalized with a fine of P2,500.00 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding nine months or both at the discretion of the court.

The measure which passed through provincial board deliberations was forwarded to the committee on peace and order for favorable review and recommendation.

The Department of Interior and Local Government has proven effectivity of emergency hotlines to curtail crime commission and speedily addresses emergency situations, officials said.

 This covers hotlines of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, government hotlines or cellphones of government or private hotlines that provide quick response to emergency situations.

But there are people who engage in senseless calls using emergency hotlines that clog emergency lines which deprive legitimate callers and also creating misinformation, officials said.

Pranksters will be identified through caller’s ID telephone number including voice recording.

This can serve as evidence after complaint is filed and warrant issued against pranksters.