PNP launches helpline to quickly respond to public issues amid COVID-19 threat

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday launched "Helpline 16677,"  a hotline for public assistance and immediate response during police operations amid the health crisis.

PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said the project, in partnership with PLDT Inc., aims to strengthen communications and ensure the quick response of the police to the public’s concerns amid the implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine and general community quarantine.

“We want a quick response system that will immediately address and respond to the public’s concerns in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The timely release of information and assistance is urgently needed by our people and the PNP’s helpline will provide just that,” Gamboa said in a press release.

He said the PNP Directorate for Operations would be the communication hub for ECQ and GCQ concerns aside from its daily monitoring system in relation to police operations and updates on law enforcement.

"Within the month, the DO-PCC was able to complete all technical and administrative requirements for this new communication system, from coordination with PLDT, system configuration, setup, and testing of the 16677 platform,” Gamboa said.

In connection to the project, the PLDT has donated a total of 52 units of mobile phones with load, 30 units of pocket Wi-Fi, 100 pieces of 300 worth of prepaid cards, and some enterprise SMS Messaging Suite.

The PNP chief said the helpline would provide a 24/7 hotline service to the public. —AOL, GMA News