MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is expected to respond to emergencies faster and more effectively with the rollout of a new 911 emergency call system set to launch in August, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame on Wednesday, Remulla said the upgrade replaces an outdated system that has been in place since around 2010.
“The old emergency call system was procured around 2010, so it’s four generations old. So, we’re getting the latest generation in the world. That’s what the Philippines will get now,” Remulla noted.
“With the new system, I think the PNP will have a better response time and better quality of response,” he added.
What’s New in the System?
The revamped emergency call system will integrate local government units’ hotlines and CCTV feeds into the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) central command center.
Another key feature is language localization. Depending on where a call originates, the system will be able to cater to regional dialects such as Ilocano, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, Waray, Bisaya, and Tausug.
P1.41-Billion Project Awarded to Local IT Firm
Remulla also revealed that the project was formally bid out on July 6 to local IT company ePLDT for ₱1.41 billion. The department is currently conducting post-qualification procedures.
Existing LGU-run emergency hotlines will remain operational and may still function as dispatch centers, especially in areas where they are already active.
Support for PNP Mobility
To further strengthen emergency response capabilities, Remulla announced that the PNP will also receive additional patrol vehicles and motorcycles alongside the system rollout.
The nationwide initiative is part of the DILG’s broader goal to modernize public safety infrastructure and ensure faster, more localized, and more reliable emergency response across the country.
