MANILA, June 5 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to use the country's emergency hotline responsibly as the government expands the Unified 911 system to more regions, warning that repeated prank calls could prevent individuals from accessing help when they genuinely need it.

The PNP made the appeal on Friday following the activation of Unified 911 satellite command centers in Iloilo, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, and Leyte as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response capabilities nationwide.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who attended the activation of the satellite command center in Iloilo on Thursday, said the system's safeguards are intended to protect emergency services from abuse while ensuring th...