On September 11, 911 became the only number Filipinos must remember during emergencies.
To streamline emergency response, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has introduced Unified 911, a single hotline replacing more than 30 existing numbers throughout the country. The move fulfills President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call under Bagong Pilipinas to strengthen community and family safety.
Ending Fragmentation, Saving Precious Seconds
The old system of multiple emergency hotlines often confused callers and led to delayed or inconsistent assistance. Today, Unified 911 provides a single, dependable line for all emergencies, from police and fire to medical and disaster response, seamlessly connecting to the PNP, BFP, BJMP, and LGUs.
Accessible, Free, and Inclusive
The service is completely free, accessible around the clock, and built to be culturally and linguistically inclusive. Operators are prepared to handle calls in Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Waray, Tausug, and other local languages so every Filipino can be understood during emergencies. The government is also aiming for a five-minute response time, with call takers trained to reassure callers with one promise, help is on the way.
More Than a Hotline, A Promise
More than just a technical fix, Unified 911 reflects the government’s deeper commitment to protecting families and strengthening public trust. By streamlining response and bringing agencies together, the hotline provides a concrete assurance of safety wherever Filipinos may be. The DILG underscores that Unified 911 is not only the nation’s single emergency number but also a clear promise that in times of danger, help will come.
