911 Philippines

Starting August of 2016, the Duterte administration will launch its 24-hour emergency hotline. The National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), in compliance with a directive from President Duterte, has issued a memorandum order making way the code “911” as the national emergency hotline number. This latest development is one measure of President Duterte’s commitment to fight crime and corruption in the country.

According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the new hotline will connect the caller to the 911 Command Center for emergency, police, rescue, or fire services. In the meantime, telecommunication companies being asked that all calls to 911 shall route to the existing Patrol 117 Command Center until the 911 Command Center is fully operational.

For the time being, government official admits the challenges of phone line traffic and prank callers and has assured the public on appropriate measures undertaken by the government. Authorities advised the public to refrain prank calls as this would deny others of the services that need immediate attention.

Alongside with the launching of Emergency Hotline 911, Presidential Communication Secretary Martin Andanar announces the Complaint Hotline 8888 to handle people’s complaint. The complaint office is open 24-hours and covers the entire archipelago.

The implementation of a new hotline for the whole country was patterned after the Davao City’s 911 Emergency Response Center successful operation established by President Duterte, who served as the city mayor for quite some time prior to his presidential election.

Meanwhile, Globe Telecom drew heavy criticism after announcing that all calls will incur regular voice charge plus an additional P5/call to the hotline. By doing so, Globe Telecom believed it would discourage prank callers. For whatever it is, I hope it is for the betterment of every Filipino.

There are good reason now to rejoice and to continue to hold on to our dreams. Changes are happening now. Let’s make the Philippines a great nation once again. Mabuhay!