Sorsogon’s 911 command center ‘one of country’s best’ - PNP chief

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY --- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III expressed his admiration for the efficiency demonstrated by the 911 hotline command center in Sorsogon.

According to Sorsogon Provincial Information Officer Salvador Mendoza, Torre made the statement during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City following his visit to the 911 hotline command center, whose system is localized and managed by the provincial government of Sorsogon.

“One of the best that I’ve seen so far,” said Torre, who visited the center on June 30.

Torre highlighted that citizens seeking assistance through the 911 hotline are directly connected to the Sorsogon command center, bypassing the national headquarters at Camp Crame.

“If you use your cellphone in Sorsogon and call 911, the system itself will promptly connect you to the 911 of Sorsogon,” he said.

To enhance the collaboration between the local police force and the provincial government’s initiatives, the PNP chief issued a directive to the personnel of the Sorsogon Provincial Police Office.

This directive emphasized the need to closely coordinate with the local government unit’s 911 hotline for quicker emergency responses.

Additionally, all local police units were instructed to adopt a “five-minute emergency response time” protocol in coordination with the Sorsogon 911 Command Center.

Torre said that when citizens are confident that their emergency calls will be answered promptly, it fosters a sense of safety within the community.

He further noted that this increased confidence can help rebuild trust and cooperation between the police, local government, and various community sectors, contributing to more peaceful and orderly communities.

Meanwhile, in Libmanan, Camarines Sur --- Police operatives from the Libmanan Municipal Police Station arrested a high-value individual (HVI) and confiscated illegal drugs worth approximately ₱680,000 during a buy-bust operation conducted early morning of July 8, 2025.

The suspect, identified by his alias “Alfonso,” 33 years old, single, and working as a construction worker, is originally from Biñan, Laguna but is currently residing in Libmanan.

According to the report, the anti-illegal drug operation took place around 7:48 a.m. in Zone 5, Barangay Bahay, Libmanan. It was led by PLTCOL Ace Christian R. Mendoza, chief of police of Libmanan MPS, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office V.

During the operation, a police officer acting as poseur-buyer was able to purchase a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu for P3,500—the marked money used in the transaction.

A subsequent body search resulted in the recovery of the following items from the suspect’s possession:

One knot-tied transparent plastic bag containing suspected shabu

One sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu

The marked P3,500 buy-bust money

Authorities reported that the total weight of the confiscated drugs was approximately 100 grams, with an estimated street value of P680,000.

Markings and inventory of the seized evidence were conducted in the presence of required witnesses. The suspect was also informed of the nature of his arrest and was read his constitutional rights in a language he understands.

He is now under the custody of Libmanan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and filing of charges.

Meanwhile, the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office is urging the public to report any suspicious activity or criminal incidents by contacting the nearest police station or through CSPPO hotlines at 0970-116-8707, 0999-651-3177, or 0917-159-9892. Reports may also be sent via the official Facebook page: Camarines Sur PNP PRO5 for immediate police response.