CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – With just one tap, the plan to commit a crime is thwarted after an instant alert is sent to the police with a response time of less than five minutes.
This is the purpose of the first Emergency Alert Button App designed by the Police Regional Office 7, which was created as an alert system for business establishments to seek police assistance during emergencies.
The initiative of the PRO-7 to maximize the use of technology to curb crimes received praise from the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).
MCCI chairperson Mark Anthony Ynoc lauded the PRO7’s move to apply technology in stifling criminal acts because peace and order is a precursor to entice more investors and tourists to visit the region.
“We, in MCCI, truly appreciate this innovative initiative. This Emergency Alert Button App is a great start for a unified quick alert system across the metropolis, especially for key establishments. It will serve as a deterrent and help bring down crime rate, thus, improving peace and order in our community,” said Ynoc.
According to Ynoc, peace and order is part of the foundation of a flourishing business and commerce and foreign direct investment attraction, creating jobs and uplifting the community.
Ynoc said he will endorse this program to the 550 MCCI members from 20 types of industries.
Currently, more than 3,000 establishments in Cebu have registered with the app since it was launched on Feb. 14 with the number steadily increasing day by day.
Crime deterrent
A brainchild of PRO-7 director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, using the app will help police to effectively respond more swiftly and efficiently with just one tap during times of crises.
“It doesn’t take too much time. One just needs to download the app from Google Play and fill out the essential information required,” said Maranan.
Using the app does not require data or Wi-Fi connection, since it is a pre-set message that reads “Emergency, need immediate police assistance.”
The address of the establishment is also already included.
Once tapped, the pre-set message will be sent directly to all the numbers of the chief of police, station tactical operation center, patroller assigned in the area, city or provincial police director, and the manager or owner of the business establishment.
“Apart from the regular patrols to heighten police visibility on the streets, we must also approach crime prevention by maximizing the use of technology,” said Maranan, as he urged business establishments to utilize the app and help make our communities safe.
According to Lt. Col. Catherine Ramos, officer-in-charge of the Regional Operations Division of PRO-7, the standard response time is between three to five minutes once the alert notice is received.
Although Ramos said based on simulation exercises, response time can be done in less than three minutes but this will depend on the situation like the distance of the patrollers from the area of incident and traffic situation.
Ramos said the app can only be downloaded as of now through an Android mobile phone.
Among all regional police offices nationwide, Maranan said the PRO7 is the first to initiate this app as a crime deterrent tool.
Intensified campaign
Apart from maximizing the use of technology, Maranan said 90 percent of the police personnel are deployed on field to ensure the safety and security of local communities.
From January 1 to March 18, around 432,548 foot patrol operations have been conducted, with 155,235 mobile patrol operations done and 37,526 checkpoint operations completed by the PRO7.
Records from the ROD also show that P248 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated and 2,040 persons were arrested.
During the same period, there was also no letup in the continuing campaign against most wanted persons with 1,687 operations conducted that led to the arrest of 1,702 persons.
Police authorities are also intensifying its campaign against loose firearms amid the election period, as 330 persons have been arrested since the start of the year until March 18, with 956 operations conducted and 1,658 firearms deposited, surrendered, recovered or confiscated.
Maranan said the police will continue to maximize the use of advanced technology and strengthen the use of digital platforms for information dissemination and monitoring purposes to provide real-time updates, combat fake news, and receive feedback from the community. (FCR/PIA7)
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