Pranks clog NBI hotline

Instead of receiving information concerning the whereabouts of wanted criminals, a phone short text message hotline set up by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was flooded by hoaxes, forcing the NBI chief to threaten pranksters that criminal charges will be filed against them.

According to NBI Director, Reynaldo Wycoco, prank messages had been preventing the NBI hotline from receiving legitimate messages from possible informants.

"This, in effect, is obstructing justice and pranksters who continue sending hoaxes will be dealt with," he said.

He said all messages were recorded and they have sought the assistance of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to trace the phone numbers of the pranksters.

The NBI launched its 24-hour text service for potential informers. The programme allows people to text their information and complaints to the NBI about criminals in their community.