Structure of the Emergency 911 National Program
- The program consists of a National Call Center managed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
- Local Government Units (LGUs) are encouraged to establish local 911 call centers funded by their budgets but supervised by the National Call Center.
- Primary Service Responders include:
- Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP): lead agency for fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials protection, and search and rescue.
- Philippine National Police (PNP): lead agency for police assistance related to public safety and crime prevention.
- Major Support Service Responders comprise various national government agencies, the Armed Forces, LGUs, and accredited NGOs and medical institutions, providing essential support aligned with their mandates.
- Private communication carriers are required to ensure uninterrupted call connectivity to the emergency hotline.
- Additional communication channels such as SMS and online platforms may be established for integration with the National Call Center.
Free Emergency Call Service
- All calls to the Emergency 911 Hotline are mandated to be free of charge to the public.
Formation of the Emergency 911 Commission
- Replaces the previous Patrol "117" Commission.
- Serves as the policy-making and supervisory body of the Emergency 911 National Program.
- Composed of key government officials including the DILG Secretary as Chairperson and the DICT Secretary as Vice-Chairperson.
- Includes representatives from various government departments, the President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, and two private sector members appointed for two-year terms.
Functions of the Emergency 911 Commission
- Provides policy direction and guidelines for the program's implementation and supervision.
- Recommends policies and solutions addressing crime prevention, public order, and safety to the President.
- Submits semi-annual reports on program implementation.
- Performs additional duties as directed by the President.
Emergency 911 National Office
- Former Patrol "117" Development Office renamed as Emergency 911 National Office.
- Functions as the primary implementing agency under the Emergency 911 Commission.
- Led by an Executive Director appointed by the President.
- May establish Regional Offices as needed.
Functions of the Emergency 911 National Office
- Acts as Secretariat to the Emergency 911 Commission.
- Implements programs and objectives under the Commission's direction.
- Institutionalizes localized networks of service responders.
- Conducts readiness tests and evaluates response capacities.
- Develops training programs for emergency communications personnel and responders.
- Processes accreditation of NGOs, hospitals, and volunteer groups relevant to emergency services.
- Performs other tasks as directed by the Commission.
Government and LGU Cooperation
- All government agencies and LGUs are mandated to assist in implementing the emergency hotline program.
Private Sector Participation
- The private sector is encouraged to support and participate in the program and advocate for public safety.
Handling Fraudulent, Hoax, or Prank Calls
- Such calls are subject to existing laws and regulations, including specific implementing rules.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The DILG, assisted by the Emergency 911 Commission members, must formulate implementing rules within 60 days.
Organizational Structure and Staffing
- The Emergency 911 National Office will review and if necessary modify its organizational chart and staffing, subject to Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approval.
- Existing positions under the old Patrol "117" Development Office remain until the new structure is approved.
Funding
- Initial funding comes from the 2018 budget allocated for 911 Emergency Services, with possible augmentations recommended by the DBM.
- Future funding will be included in DILG budget proposals.
- LGUs will fund their local 911 call centers; service responders will cover their expenses in support of the program.
Transition Provisions
- The Patrol "117" Commission ensures a smooth transition to the Emergency 911 Commission within 60 days.
- Service delivery must not be disrupted during the transition.
- Existing rates and fees on emergency calls continue until fully implemented.
Repeal and Amendments
- EO No. 226, AO No. 36, and all inconsistent orders or regulations are repealed or amended accordingly.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity or unconstitutionality of any provision does not affect other valid provisions.
Effectivity
- The executive order takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.