DILG launches Unified 911 national emergency hotline

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has launched the Unified 911, a single national hotline for emergencies, consolidating over 30 local numbers into one accessible service.

This integrated system connects the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and local governments for police, fire, medical, and disaster response.

The initiative aims to reduce delays and confusion caused by fragmented local hotlines, improving access to emergency services.

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla stated that the country now has "one number, and that is 911" for emergency response.

The main command center is in Sampaloc, Manila, with PLDT serving as the service provider.

The hotline is language-sensitive, able to handle calls in various Philippine dialects including Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Waray, and Tausug, with a target response time of five minutes.

The system is free of charge and available 24/7, staffed by trained call takers.