Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 56)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 56, s. 2018 is to institutionalize the emergency 911 hotline as the nationwide emergency answering point in the Philippines, replacing the Patrol 117 hotline, and to establish a framework for the effective management and operation of emergency response services nationwide.
The Emergency 911 Hotline replaces the Patrol '117' Hotline Network as the nationwide emergency hotline number.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is the lead agency in conducting fire suppression operations and providing emergency medical services, hazardous materials protection, and technical search and rescue services under the Emergency 911 National Program.
The Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) serves as the Chairperson of the Emergency 911 Commission.
LGUs are enjoined to establish and run local 911 call centers within their jurisdiction using their own funds, which shall be supervised by the National Call Center of the DILG.
No, all calls made to the Emergency 911 Hotline shall be free of charge and other fees as ensured by the Emergency 911 Commission.
Major support service responders include the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, LGUs, and accredited NGOs among others.
All fraudulent, hoax, or prank reports shall be dealt with in accordance with existing applicable laws, rules, regulations, and the implementing rules and regulations of Executive Order No. 56.
The Emergency 911 National Office is headed by an Executive Director with the rank of Director IV, appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the DILG Secretary.
The Emergency 911 Commission is the policy-making body overseeing the Emergency 911 National Program. Its functions include providing policy direction, formulating guidelines, recommending policies to the President, submitting semi-annual implementation reports, and performing other duties as directed by the President.