Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 56)
The main purpose is to institutionalize the Emergency 911 Hotline as the nationwide emergency answering point in the Philippines, replacing the previous Patrol 117 hotline, to improve public safety services and emergency response mechanisms.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has direction and control over the National Call Center.
The Primary Service Responders are the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), which leads fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials protection, and technical search and rescue; and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which leads police assistance related to public safety and crime prevention.
Yes, LGUs are enjoined to establish and operate local 911 call centers within their jurisdictions using their own funds, but these centers shall be under the supervision of the National Call Center.
The Emergency 911 Commission is tasked to ensure that calls made to the Emergency 911 Hotline are free of charge and other fees.
The Commission is chaired by the DILG Secretary, with the DICT Secretary as Vice Chairperson, and members including representatives from the Office of the President, DOJ, DND, DSWD, DOH, DOTr, PCOO, PNP, NTC, BFP, MMDA, the President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, and two private sector members selected by the Chairperson.
Its functions include providing policy direction and guidelines; recommending policies and measures on crime prevention and public safety; submitting semi-annual reports to the President; and performing other duties as directed by the President.
The Emergency 911 National Office serves as the primary implementing office and is headed by an Executive Director with the rank of Director IV.
Such calls shall be dealt with according to existing laws, rules, regulations, and the implementing rules and regulations of the Executive Order.
EO No. 226 and AO No. 36, as well as any other inconsistent issuances, orders, or regulations, are amended, repealed, or modified accordingly.