Globe, PLDT open 2286 'Text Bato' hotline service

The country's main carriers PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. on Monday signed separate arrangements on the "Text Bato" hotline service with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"Text Bato is the 24/7 hotline project of the PNP that allows citizens to report crime incidents and law enforcement concerns directly to the police chief director Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa," Smart Telecommunications Inc., the mobile subsidiary of PLDT, said in a post on Facebook.

According to Globe, however, its is charging P2.50 per text message via 2286, noting the service took effect on Monday, September 5.

Smart has yet to reveal how much it is charing for the service.

Dela Rosa can monitor reports

According to the PNP, the "Bato" hotline is centralized and connected to provincial and regional police officers.

With the hotline in place, the PNP can refer any complaint or incident report to the appropriate police station. Dela Rosa himself is able to monitor the reports and track how the police is or not making correct response.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Monday opens the four-digit text messaging number 2286 for citizens and police authorities to exchange text messages.

"Globe is aware that the availability of an affordable and accessible integrator for Text Bato will significantly enhance the PNP's readiness to address the public's police concerns and thus improve the peace and order situation in the country in general," Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo said in an emailed statement. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News