The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday launched its mobile application ‘iSerbis’. PNP Information Technology Management Service (ITMS) Director Chief Supt. Edwin Jose Nemenzo summed up the application as “Imagination is greater than detail.”
The ‘iSerbis’ is basically the response to the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his state-of-the-nation address (SONA) last July to make use of information technology (IT) to reduce red tape and in support of the ongoing two-pronged national anti-drug campaign under “Project Double Barrel” of PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to further boost the overall anti-crime effort.
”This mobile app shall allow the public, through their smartphones and gadgets, to view information on the different available PNP services, view infographics on common illegal modus operandi as well as find emergency hotlines and links to other available PNP apps such as the PNP Telephone Directory, PNP Pension, and Bantay Krimen,” Nemenzo said.
The app highlights processes and documentary requirements when availing of the frontline services such as the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) for the processing of firearms and explosives licenses and permits, Supervisory Office for Security and Investigative Agencies (SOSIA) for licenses on security profession, private security and detective agencies, Highway Patrol Group (HPG) for motor vehicle clearance and alarms, PNP Recruitment Program and other clearances.
It also contains infographics on Project Double Barrel’s latest updates, drug rehabilitation channels and “How to Report a Crime to the PNP” which also covers cybercrime modus operandi and the most common crimes like “Ipit Taxi” Gang, sleazy “Dura Boys” Gang, shrewd “Laglag Barya” Gang, sly “Salisi” Gang, dodgy “Tutok-Kalawit” Gang, dubious “Pitas” Gang and the crafty “Besfren” Gang.
Emergency contact numbers and hotlines of government agencies are also available in iSerbis such as the National Emergency Hotline (PNP 911) National Citizens Complaint Hotline (8888), among others.
The ‘iSerbis’ is available for android and iOS (iphone operating system) gadgets through the Google Play Store and the Apple Store.
”This project was made possible with the unwavering support of the PNP leadership, the PNP ICT Family, our Advisory Council and the ITMS personnel, particularly the development team as well as our counterpart from the academe, the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Development Team for the basic features of the android version of iSerbis,” Nemenzo said.
”Commitment to excellence of ITMS personnel as well as their untiring efforts and more importantly, the full support of PNP leadership and the effective management and utilization of its resources makes iSerbis possible,” he added.