Republic of the Philippines

Sa Oras ng Sakuna, Bawat Segundo Mahalaga: DILG Highlights Faster 911 Response Every second can mean the difference between life and death, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline continues to save lives nationwide through faster and more reliable emergency response. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make government services more accessible, especially in times of crisis, the country’s emergency hotline continues to strengthen its five-minute response policy to ensure that help reaches people when they need it most. Through faster coordination among responders from agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and local emergency teams, authorities are now able to respond more efficiently and deliver immediate assistance during emergencies. The PNP recently reported that the 911 hotline’s response time has improved and is now consistently below the five-minute target. The system has also been strengthened through upgraded technologies such as GPS tracking, integrated command centers, enhanced emergency communications systems, and real-time dispatch coordination, allowing responders to locate and assist callers faster. Across the country, these improvements are already helping save lives. In Malaybalay, Bukidnon, a four-year-old child was rescued from a drowning incident after authorities immediately responded to a 911 call. The child was given first aid before being rushed to the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center. In Quezon City, responders immediately assisted a 52-year-old vehicular accident victim along Old Balara and transported the patient to Diliman Doctors Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, in Sipocot, Camarines Sur, a 30-year-old patient suffering from an alleged heat stroke received immediate medical attention and was safely brought to a district hospital. Since its launch, the Emergency 911 National Call Center has handled  a total of 9,852,542 emergency and distress calls nationwide, helping authorities provide faster coordination, quicker deployment, and life-saving assistance to Filipinos in times of danger and uncertainty.

DILG strengthens LGU role in Universal Health Care through LINGAP Program Healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right, and local government units (LGUs) play a crucial role in ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every Filipino, especially those in vulnerable and underserved communities. To strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) continues to intensify efforts to bridge healthcare gaps by empowering LGUs through the Local Initiative in Governance and Social Protection (LINGAP) Program. Launched in November 2025, LINGAP serves as the DILG’s umbrella initiative for social protection and Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) at the local level. The program is anchored on the “Leaving No One Behind” principle of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through LINGAP, the DILG is equipping LGUs with stronger capacities to implement social protection measures and health-related programs in support of Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. As part of these efforts, the Department actively participates in technical working groups crafting strategies and action plans to address pressing health concerns such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), tuberculosis, and cancer. Together with partner agencies, the DILG has also issued joint memorandum circulars promoting healthy learning institutions, safe public spaces, telemedicine services, and the retention of barangay health workers, among others. The LINGAP Program supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bring government services closer to the people, particularly the most vulnerable sectors. Through LINGAP, the DILG reaffirms its commitment to helping build healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient communities where every Filipino, regardless of gender, status, or religion, has equitable access to quality healthcare and social protection services.

India-PH Partnership Brings Healthcare, Livelihood Aid to 42,000 Filipinos Nearly 42,000 residents in Northern Samar, Lanao del Norte, and Ilocos Sur are benefiting from healthcare and livelihood projects funded under the Government of India’s Quick Impact Project (QIP) initiative, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said today. Implemented through the Indian Grant Assistance (IGA) Program, the projects include the construction of a Livelihood Training Center in Bobon, Northern Samar, the upgrading of a Primary Care Facility in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, and a Barangay Health Station in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. Established through a 2023 agreement between the DILG and the Embassy of India in Manila, the IGA Program supports small-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects in health, education, sanitation, and community development. Local government units may receive up to USD50,000 or around P2.8 million per project, with only six proposals approved nationwide during the program’s first cycle. In Bobon, Northern Samar, around 15,000 residents are expected to benefit from the new Livelihood Training Center, which will host skills training and livelihood programs to improve employability and income opportunities. According to DILG Assistant Secretary Frank Cruz,  the QIP is not merely a facility for skills development, but a space for building resilience and expanding opportunities for the community.  Meanwhile, nearly 25,000 residents in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte will benefit from the upgraded Primary Care Facility, now equipped with diagnostic tools including an X-ray machine, helping reduce long-distance travel for medical services. DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian De Leon also said that for the people of Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, the  Project is life-saving and life-sustaining.  Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain said the initiative reflects the deepening partnership between the two countries. More than 2,000 residents of Barangay Aluling in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur are also expected to gain improved access to immediate healthcare services through the newly established Barangay Health Station. The DILG said more India-funded Quick Impact Projects are set to be inaugurated across the country in the coming months.

DILG backs circular economy push, strengthens LGU role in green transition The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) joined the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and partner agencies in advancing the country’s shift toward a circular economy during the High-Level Interagency Roundtable on the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF) held in Metro Manila recenly. Representing the Department, Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon reaffirmed the DILG’s commitment to strengthening local governance and improving basic service delivery through sustainable and environment-responsive policies at the local level. In her Statement of Commitment, Asec. De Leon said the DILG will maximize local mandates, performance systems, and monitoring mechanisms to help ensure that circular economy principles are integrated into local governance, particularly in improving waste management and promoting resource efficiency across local government units (LGUs). The roundtable gathered key national government leaders, including DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., and TESDA Secretary and Director General Jose Francisco B. Benitez, alongside representatives from various agencies. The initiative forms part of the DENR-led program supported by the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership under the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative. The DILG reaffirmed its support for stronger interagency collaboration to translate national environmental policies into concrete and sustainable action at the community level, recognizing LGUs as key drivers in building cleaner, smarter, and more resilient communities. 

911 bridges Filipinos to immediate health, medical care – DILG Immediate health care and medical attention are now more accessible to the public with just one call to the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said. Aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call for improved health care services for Filipinos from all walks of life, the 911 hotline bridges the people to swift and vigilant emergency responders nationwide 24-hours a day. The DILG said that the 911 hotline is supported by a nationwide network of responders to ensure emergency health situations of callers are acted on without delay. Under Executive Order No. 56, series of 2018, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection, together with government institutions and the local government units (LGUs), accredited NGOs, and private sector partners, provide coordinated emergency response to 911 callers in need of immediate health and medical attention. To improve accessibility, the DILG said that 911 regional command centers can also accommodate calls in local and regional dialects, helping ensure faster communication and response, leading to more lives saved and communities served. In Bataan, a 70-year-old woman with a head concussion was promptly rushed to the nearest hospital following a 911 hotline call from Jeric Aquino. The woman was assisted by responders from the Abucay Rescue team. In Sultan Kudarat, the 911 hotline enabled rapid response to a vehicular accident involving a mixer truck that hit a residential area. Following a call from Asmali Saltan, responders rushed to the scene, and brought two victims to the hospital.  One fatality was recorded by the local police. The DILG said that the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline will remain committed to responding to health and medical emergencies with urgency as it continues to upgrade its capabilities to better serve the Filipino people.

DILG Calls for Stronger Support for Over 43,000 BHERTs Nationwide The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen grassroots health systems and sustain community-based health response mechanisms beyond the pandemic, renewed its call for all local government units to support and strengthen their Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs). The DILG emphasized the vital role of BHERTs as the country’s frontline defense in protecting communities from health emergencies, ensuring immediate response during crises, and addressing everyday public health concerns at the barangay level. To date, more than 43,000 BHERTs nationwide continue to actively serve and respond at the grassroots level. Their ongoing efforts remain crucial in promoting community health, ensuring immediate response during emergencies, and supporting local healthcare initiatives across the country. Years after the height of the pandemic, BHERTs continue to quietly serve on the frontlines of community health response across the country. Originally organized during the COVID-19 pandemic, these teams became one of the closest links between government health services and ordinary Filipinos, especially in communities where immediate access to healthcare remains limited. From monitoring residents and assisting during medical emergencies to supporting vaccination drives and local health initiatives, BHERTs continue to play an important role in helping communities respond to day-to-day health concerns. As of February 2026, data from the DILG-National Barangay Operations Office showed that 88.83 percent of barangays nationwide have organized BHERTs, with more than 43,000 teams actively supporting community-level health response. To strengthen these teams further, the Department has continued efforts to organize, reactivate, and capacitate BHERTs across the country, particularly through the BHERT-FRIENDS Project, which focuses on providing frontline responders with practical guidance, coordination support, and tools necessary for their work on the ground. The Department added that strong barangay health systems remain essential not only during large-scale emergencies, but also in addressing everyday health concerns faced by Filipino families and communities.

911 Becomes Filipinos’ Lifeline as Emergency Calls Top 5.2 Million in Early 2026 More Filipinos are turning to the government’s Unified 911 Emergency Hotline during emergencies, with over 5.2 million calls recorded from January to April 2026, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said. Data from the Emergency 911 National Call Center showed that 5,251,754 calls were handled in the first four months of the year, averaging more than one million calls monthly. The DILG said the figures reflect growing public trust in the country’s emergency response system. Established through Executive Order No. 56, series of 2018, the Unified 911 Hotline connects callers to police, fire, medical, rescue, and other emergency responders nationwide. The Department also noted a decline in prank and fraudulent calls following recent system upgrades, including the blocking of AI-generated and automated prank calls. In Naic, Cavite, Antonio Mariñas dialed 911 after witnessing a motorcycle accident. Responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office quickly arrived and brought the victims to a medical facility for treatment. In Iloilo City, Jonald Mucho sought help after seeing an intoxicated man attempting to jump from an elevated area. Police personnel responded and were able to intervene before the situation worsened. The individual was later turned over to barangay officials for proper assistance. Meanwhile, in Camarines Sur, Ely Panga called 911 after a person inside a PNP armored vehicle suffered an apparent heart attack. Responders from the Pili MDRRMO immediately assisted the victim and brought him to the Bicol Medical Center for urgent medical attention. “Sa oras ng panganib at sakuna, nakasandig ang publiko sa 911. Patunay ito na mas maraming Pilipino na ang nagtitiwala sa kakayahan ng pamahalaan na magbigay ng agarang responde sa oras ng emergency,”the DILG said. The Department reminded the public to immediately dial 911 during emergencies requiring police, fire, medical, rescue, or other urgent assistance, stressing that early reporting can help responders act faster and save lives.

Remulla says rising public trust in PNP reflected in sharp drop in crime Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday said the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) record-high public trust and satisfaction ratings reflect the growing sense of safety among Filipinos and the continuing decline in crime across the country. Citing the latest Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by OCTA Research, Remulla noted that 63 percent of Filipinos expressed trust in the PNP, while 61 percent said they were satisfied with the performance of the national police force. The DILG chief said the results show that ongoing reforms and intensified police visibility are beginning to restore public confidence in law enforcement. “This is not just about numbers in a survey. It means more Filipinos are beginning to feel safer in their communities again,” Remulla said. He recalled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for the PNP to not only reduce crime, but also strengthen police visibility so Filipinos feel safer in their communities. “Hindi sapat na nababawasan natin ‘yung krimen. Kailangan nakikita yung pulis para feeling safe naman yung mga tao,” the President earlier said. According to Remulla, the improved public perception of the PNP is the result of the hard work and sacrifices of police personnel nationwide, as well as the institutional reforms implemented under the leadership of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.. He said the government’s intensified public safety initiatives, including the Safer Cities program and expanded police presence in communities, have contributed to the steady decline in crime rates. “Crime has reduced by 30 to 40 percent and up to 80 percent in some areas. Rape is down by 80 percent, physical injuries are down by 60 percent, theft is down by 30 percent. Ang daming metrics ng crime ang bumaba,” Remulla said. The DILG Secretary admitted that when he first assumed office, public perception of the police institution was far more negative. “May isang big time na nagsabi sa akin, sabi niya, ‘There is no organized crime syndicate in the Philippines except for the PNP,’ and I wanted to prove him wrong,” he shared. Remulla said the gains made by the PNP prove that institutional reforms, stronger police visibility, and sustained public safety efforts are beginning to restore public confidence in law enforcement. He also commended police personnel across the country for their continued dedication to service, saying the improving crime situation and rising public trust ratings reflect the commitment of the organization to protect communities and keep Filipinos safe.

“GALINGAN N’YO PA”: Remulla Orders Full PNP Mobilization in Hunt for Top Fugitives Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fully mobilize its 225,000-strong force in the intensified nationwide manhunt for high-profile fugitives. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to exhaust all efforts in bringing wanted suspects to justice, the DILG, PNP, and other law enforcement agencies have stepped up operations across the country, including coordination efforts beyond Philippine borders to track down top-tier fugitives. Remulla said he challenged the PNP leadership during a recent command conference to become more aggressive and proactive in locating suspects such as Atong Ang, former police officer Gerard Dumlao III, and Zaldy Co. “Sabi ko, 200,000 kayo. Alangan namang ‘di n’yo kaya hanapin, tatatlong tao lang. Galingan n’yo pa,” he remarked. “So chinallenge ko sila na yung 200,000 dapat lahat ma-harness para mahanap ang tatlong tao ito,” he added. The DILG chief said the PNP has since intensified its operational focus and strengthened its strategies in pursuing the wanted personalities. He also acknowledged the difficulties faced by law enforcement in tracking fugitives, pointing to the country’s geography, porous borders in parts of Southern Philippines, and the vast resources available to some high-profile suspects. At the same time, Remulla admitted that a few “rotten eggs” continue to affect the PNP’s information chain despite the organization’s improving performance standards. “It’s [PNP] imperfect. It’s made up of humans, so yung information chain diyan, laging may break down,” he said. Despite this, Remulla assured the public that the DILG and PNP will continue internal cleansing efforts to weed out scalawag police officers and strengthen accountability within the ranks.

DILG ORDERS LGUs: CLEAR THE WAY FOR FUEL TANKERS The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all local government units (LGUs) to take immediate steps to ensure the continuous and orderly movement of fuel, including allowing unhampered passage of fuel tankers within their jurisdictions. Amid ongoing global oil supply pressures, the Department emphasized that restrictions such as truck bans and traffic coding should not impede the delivery of fuel. Local chief executives (LCEs) are thus urged to exempt legitimate fuel tankers from legitimate petroleum industry companies from these limitations. “Ensuring the uninterrupted movement of fuel supply is critical to sustaining economic activity and protecting the welfare of our people during this period of global energy disruption,” the DILG said. These measures align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing the crisis, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 110 declaring a state of national energy emergency. In a memorandum circular, the DILG also called on LCEs to exercise their supervisory authority to ensure strict and effective implementation of the directive across all local jurisdictions. “Local governments play a vital role in ensuring that essential goods such as fuel are delivered without delay. We count on your full cooperation,” the Department added. The DILG further reminds LGUs to exercise their disciplinary authority over erring elected officials pursuant to Chapter IV, Title 2, Book 1 of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code.  The Department said it will continue to monitor compliance and coordinate with concerned agencies to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of fuel nationwide.