911 as emergency hotline nationwide

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Interior and Local Government has issued a memorandum institutionalizing the code 911 as the emergency hotline number nationwide.

All local government units are expected to establish and run local 911 call centers within their respective areas of jurisdiction using their own funds in accordance with the existing rules, laws and regulations.

Call centers shall be under the supervision of the National Call Center.

As such, all LGUs should use 911 as the only emergency hotline number in the country.

Special or short codes for emergency hotline numbers issued to all LGUs are recalled.

Through the public telecommunication entities (PTEs), all LGUs will have to migrate to the nationwide emergency hotline number code “911” within six months from the effectivity of the circular.

The implementation of the issuance shall be in coordination with DILG through the Emergency 911 National Office and the National Telecommunications Commission.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Executive Order 56 on May 25, 2018 institutionalizing the Emergency 911 hotline as the nationwide emergency answering point, replacing Patrol 117 but has not been used by many at present as people rely on their own LGUs hotlines provided.

The said hotline is established as the government as part of its duty to serve and protect the people and maintain peace and order in the fastest and most efficient way possible. — GMR (FREEMAN)