In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla on Monday announced that the Unified 911 Emergency System will officially go live this July in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Regions 1 and 7.

 

Speaking at a press conference held at the Quezon City Police District headquarters, Remulla emphasized that the national emergency response system will be powered by cutting-edge technology and will be expanded to other regions in the succeeding months.

 

“We are going to deploy the latest technology in the world. Puwedeng streaming, maipapakita mo kung anong nangyayari sa iyo, may geolocator, para malaman kung nasaan ka,” he explained.

 

To address the long-standing issue of prank and nuisance calls, Remulla said the system has been designed with advanced deterrent features that will drastically limit such disruptions. “Kasi ang experience niyan sa PNP (Philippine National Police), 60% of the calls are pranks. Ngayon, malalaman na kung mula saan ka tumawag, kung sino ka, kung anong itinawag mo. Mas magiging efficient ang pagtakbo ng 911.”

 

The DILG Secretary further underscored that the 911 Emergency Hotline will now be a permanent core program of the Department, fully integrated into its operational framework—anchored on the direct involvement of frontline response units such as the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), both of which are attached agencies of the DILG.

 

He clarified that the program’s continuity will not be subject to changes in administration or leadership. “Kasi continuing investment yan, so hindi mo puwedeng sabihin na one year lang yan, sa susunod na taon papalitan na naman. It’s a ten-year investment plan,” he said.

 

As for hotlines like the PNP’s 117, Remulla said these will serve as agency command centers to handle 911 calls related to their specific functions, such as crimes for the PNP or fires for the BFP.