Caraga Region Police Aim for Five-Minute Emergency Response Time

BUTUAN CITY – The Caraga Region's police force has set an ambitious goal of achieving a five-minute response time to emergency calls, as stated by Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, director of the Police Regional Office-Caraga (PRO-13), during a press conference on June 10, 2025. This initiative is part of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) broader strategy to enhance public safety and operational efficiency across the region.

In his address, Brig. Gen. Abrahano highlighted the implementation of the AGAP mobile application, which employs location-based technology to facilitate timely crime reporting and police assistance. "In the Caraga region, we have established a mobile application utilizing location-based technology for more accessible crime reporting and swift police assistance," Abrahano remarked. The AGAP app was officially launched at PRO-13 headquarters prior to the May 12 midterm elections. During the press briefing, a live simulation demonstrated the app's capabilities, successfully dispatching police units to Butuan City and Surigao City in under three minutes.

This five-minute response benchmark aligns with directives from PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III, emphasizing the importance of rapid police responses to enhance community safety. Abrahano also praised the newly instituted eight-hour, three-shift work system within PRO-13, designed to improve police visibility and ensure a balanced allocation of resources across various units.

"Through these strategic initiatives, PRO-13 remains resolute in its mission to protect and serve the people of the Caraga region," he stated, reinforcing the commitment of local law enforcement to community engagement and crime prevention.

The significance of rapid police response times cannot be overstated. According to the 2023 report by the Philippine National Police, timely responses to emergency calls can significantly reduce the likelihood of crime escalation and improve overall community trust in law enforcement. Additionally, Dr. Maria Santos, a criminology expert at the University of the East, notes that effective police response times are critical for the deterrence of criminal activity and the promotion of public safety. "In many cases, the first few minutes following an incident are crucial, and a quick response can make all the difference," Dr. Santos highlighted.

The push for improved response times reflects a growing trend within law enforcement agencies globally, where technology is leveraged to enhance operational efficiency. In a comparative study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice in January 2023, researchers found that jurisdictions utilizing mobile applications for police engagement experienced a 20% reduction in response times, underscoring the potential benefits of such initiatives.

Despite the promising developments, challenges remain. Critics, including community activist and former police officer Juan Dela Cruz, argue that while technology can aid in response times, it cannot replace the need for community trust and engagement. "The effectiveness of any police initiative ultimately hinges on the relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves," Dela Cruz asserted, urging the police to prioritize community outreach alongside technological advancements.

Looking ahead, the Caraga police force's initiative to reduce emergency response times may serve as a model for other regions in the Philippines. As the AGAP application continues to evolve, the impact of such technology on crime rates and community safety will be closely monitored. The commitment to a five-minute response time not only aims to enhance public safety but also seeks to foster a renewed trust between citizens and law enforcement agencies in the region.