President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for increased police visibility to deter crime and implement a unified emergency hotline for faster crisis response.

During the maiden episode of the BBM Podcast on Monday, the President tasked the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to ensure the police are closer to the people.

“So ang una naming ginawa, inutusan ko silang – ng DILG at saka Chief PNP – sinabi ko sa kanila, dapat laging may nakikita na pulis na naglalakad. Kasi pagtagal ng panahon, nakikilala mo na ‘yun,” President Marcos said.

“O, ‘di – maging kaibigan ‘yung pulis para ‘pag nakita, safe kami rito. Nandiyan si Sergeant ganito, ganyan. Kailangan ang pakiramdam ng tao, laging may pulis dito,” he added.

The President said he wanted the police to respond more quickly, noting the police officers must be at the scene in less than five minutes.

The President noted that several current emergency numbers could add to confusion, so the government would implement a single crisis hotline for emergency hotlines during the crisis.

“Di ba mayroon tayong iba-iba eh – 119, 911, 999, kung ano-ano. Gagawin naming isa,” the President said. | PND