The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - National Capital Region (NCR) has prevented four people from taking their own lives through the Kalingang Bumbero hotline.

On the 10th episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, the BFP discussed one of their innovative approaches to safety, concerning the 15 percent increase in suicide rate in the country.

“Alam niyo po kung ano yung nakakalungkot dito sa NCR, noong nakaraang buwan, napakarami po naming suicide calls. Ang dami po naming ni re-rescue. Mayro’n po kaming mga successful na rescue. Meron din naman po kaming nabigo, kasi po hindi natin naabot na ang ating mga kababayan (The fact that there were a lot of suicide calls in the past months in NCR alone is saddening. There were a lot to be saved; Few were successfully rescued, while some operatives failed to get there on time) ,” CSUPT Nahum Tarroza said.

In cooperation with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), the BFP launched “Kaibigan sa Linyang Gagabayan ng Bumbero” or Kalingang Bumbero in May. Since its implementation, several mental health practitioners and graduates of Psychology were trained by NCMH to assist callers with their current mental state.

While people are getting help from the practitioners, the BFP will activate their responders to locate the caller and prevent them from attempting.

The hotline is open for 24 hours everyday for those who need help regarding their mental health. Those interested may reach them through 0962-458-4BFP(237).