Republic of the Philippines

DILG Pushes Peace and Development Through NTF-ELCAC Cluster Leadership and Rebel Reintegration The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) remains at the forefront of national peace and development efforts through its active leadership in key clusters of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and its reintegration programs for former rebels. Out of the twelve operational clusters under NTF-ELCAC, the DILG leads two critical components: the Basic Services Cluster and the Local Government Empowerment Cluster. It also serves as co-lead in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Amnesty Cluster with the Department of National Defense (DND), and in the Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) Cluster with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU). At the heart of the Department’s peacebuilding strategy is E-CLIP, a DILG-administered assistance package that helps Former Rebels (FRs) and Former Violent Extremists (FVEs) return to mainstream society. From July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025, the DILG facilitated aid to 4,261 FRs and FVEs amounting to Php 362.9 million. This includes Immediate Assistance of Php 15,000, Livelihood Support of Php 50,000, Reintegration Assistance of Php 21,000, and Firearms Remuneration based on valuation, up to twice the assessed cost. To further support their transition, the DILG also provides Php 5 million per province for the construction of Halfway Houses, which serve as temporary shelters where FRs and FVEs receive rehabilitation and capacity development. Through these efforts, the DILG affirms its commitment to the President’s national agenda for peace, security, and inclusive development by empowering LGUs, rebuilding communities, and ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the path to lasting peace. ###

Remulla: No Reward System, Drug Recycling Under Marcos Admin Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has successfully abolished the reward system that once encouraged corruption and illegal drug recycling among law enforcement officers.   During the post-SONA discussions on Tuesday, Remulla pointed out that, in the past, a reward system incentivized drug enforcers to aggressively pursue anti-drug operations—sometimes to the extent of killing drug suspects and planting evidence to claim cash rewards. He also mentioned the so-called “ninja cops,” who would keep up to 90% of confiscated drugs, turn over only 10% to authorities, and recycle the rest for resale on the streets. He said this system was dismantled by the President, who ordered a halt to “bodega” operations to prevent hoarding of illegal drugs and the implementation of no-reward policy.  “Ngayon po may sistema na within so many days may destruction kaagad, wala na pong recycling ng drugs ngayon sa Pilipinas. Hindi na tayo nagbobodega, diretso sunog na,” he said. According to Remulla, the current destruction process of seized drugs is also very thorough and scientific, ensuring that there are no remaining narcotics components and preventing any possibility of recycling. “Under 700 degrees of heat for 12 hours, ginigiling po talaga yung drugs na ‘yan, tapos it takes another 12 hours to cool down, tapos titingnan yung abo, ite-test yun sa laboratoryo, kung may drug component pa rin siya.” Through this reform, the DILG Chief said methamphetamine prices went up by 35%, signaling a significant curtailment of supply and a successful shift from consumption-based to supply-side anti-drug strategies.   Furthermore, he said the administration’s drug war operates without resorting to killings. “The drug war is working without killing anyone. ###

Remulla: Unified 911 System to Launch Nationwide by September 15 In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directives during his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla pledged a faster and more accessible emergency response with the rollout of the unified 911 system across the Philippines. “Makakaasa kayo na pagdating ng Setyembre, magkakaroon na tayo ng unified 911 system na covered ang buong bansa,” said Remulla. The system guarantees a five-minute response time from key agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). “Five minutes ang response time, guaranteed ng PNP, BFP — para sa ambulansya, fire trucks, at mga pulis,” he emphasized. Remulla explained that the DILG serves as the country’s primary emergency response department, coordinating police, fire, and other units nationwide.  The announcement came during the Post-SONA Discussion on Environmental Protection and Disaster Risk Reduction held Tuesday at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center. A notable feature of the new unified 911 system is its regional language support, allowing callers to report emergencies in their native dialects. “We take the sensitivities in hand. We make sure that in every household, the best way to communicate is through your native language, your mother tongue,” Remulla said. Meanwhile, the DILG Chief underscored the importance of a unified, whole-of-nation approach in the declaration of work and class suspensions during emergencies. He said that while many local governments act promptly, some delays have led the government to authorize the DILG  in issuing suspension announcements. He said that because of this new authority, the Department’s followers on social media increased to 1.2 million, reflecting public demand for timely and reliable information.

DILG Prioritizes Strengthened LGU Systems and Community Protocols in Disaster Preparednes The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) continues to enhance the capacities of  local government units (LGUs) in disaster preparedness through robust systems-based protocols, grassroots engagement, and anticipatory planning. Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos,  Jr.’s 2025 State of the Nation Address, the DILG reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient communities by equipping both barangays and cities with tools that prevent loss of lives and ensure rapid response. Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Department’s posture is simple but resolute: anticipate, prepare, and act decisively before disasters strike. “Disaster preparedness must be embedded in how we govern every day. Bago pa bumaha, bago pa tumama ang bagyo, dapat may galaw na ang lokal na pamahalaan,” Remulla said. As Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the DILG leads the implementation of Operation Listo, a disaster readiness protocol that standardizes pre-disaster actions for governors, mayors, and punong barangays. In April 2025, the Department launched the enhanced Listo si Kap protocol, focusing on equipping barangay officials with the right tools, coordination frameworks, and situational checklists to activate even in far-flung sitios. The Department has also taken a stronger stance on LGU-led solid waste management and flood mitigation, recognizing the connection between local governance and climate resilience. All LGUs have been urged to update their disaster preparedness plans, monitor critical waterways, and preposition cleaning and rescue assets ahead of weather disturbances. Barangays are expected to lead early warning dissemination, implement evacuation protocols, and coordinate with city and municipal DRRM councils. To support this, the DILG is upgrading Emergency 911 systems nationwide. More LGUs are now operating local E911 call centers that are geotagged, multilingual, and linked directly to police, fire, and medical responders. This allows for faster deployment and clearer coordination at the community level. The Department is also integrating disaster risk reduction with inclusive wellness and community programming. Through Memorandum Circular No. 2025-037, LGUs are reminded to open civic spaces such as parks, plazas, and covered courts to all members of the public, particularly during emergencies and evacuations. These same venues are also encouraged to be used for disaster education, drills, and wellness activities to strengthen community ties. “The work of preparedness does not belong to one office alone. Every barangay, every LGU must be part of the system. Preparedness is governance. Kaligtasan ay responsibilidad ng lahat,” said Remulla. The DILG is currently monitoring compliance with disaster protocols nationwide and working with the Department of Budget and Management to support LGUs in upgrading equipment and training under the Local Government Support Fund and other resilience initiatives. ###

Remulla to LGUs: Pass ordinances to punish 911 prank callers As the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) prepares to roll out the upgraded Emergency 911 system this August, Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged all local chief executives to enact ordinances penalizing prank callers to the national emergency hotline. “Dapat may ordinance ang lahat ng LGUs na may monetary fine, jail time basta prank call,” Remulla said, emphasizing that prank calling the emergency line must be met with real consequences. He noted that detailed guidelines will follow once the system is fully launched. Reports from the E911 National Office showed that in 2024, close to 12 million calls were handled by the system, of which about 60 percent were identified as fraudulent, hoax, or prank calls. Under Presidential Decree No. 1727, individuals who maliciously spread false information may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to P40,000, or both. Speaking during a simulation exercise at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Remulla warned the public that the new system will have tracking capabilities to quickly identify prank callers. “May geofence at geo data kasi ang lahat ng tatawag. So kung tumawag ka at prank call ka, within five minutes, mahuhuli ka nila,” he said. The enhanced system will also include language-sensitive capabilities and push-to-talk over cellular (PoC/PTToC) features that allow real-time coordination with over 1,000 police officers nationwide. Remulla said the upgraded system is part of the administration’s broader push for faster police response in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for improved police visibility and public safety. “Despite the technology we are using, we are doing very well. Pero sa bagong sistema natin, I think the PNP will have better response time, better quality of response,” he said. He added that all local government emergency systems will be integrated into a single, unified 911 network. “Ngayon, 34 ang LGU na may sariling 911. Tapos may sarili ang Crame. Ang gagawin natin, magkakaroon tayo ng unified system sa buong Pilipinas,” he explained.

REMULLA TO LGUs: STAY ON ALERT AS HEAVY RAINS MAY LAST UNTIL MONDAY Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged all local government units (LGUs) to stay on high alert as inclement weather brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, Tropical Depression ‘Dante,’ and a low-pressure area is expected to persist until early next week. “Hanggang Lunes pa po masama ang panahon. May paparating pa tayong bagyo,” said Remulla in an interview on Wednesday. He assured that LGUs have already been reminded of their responsibilities, particularly in preemptive evacuation and risk communication in hazard-prone areas. The Department is closely monitoring the situation in western provinces—particularly from Negros Island to Ilocos Sur. The DILG Chief said the Office of Civil Defense, as the implementing arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, remains in close coordination with LGUs. He added that the Emergency 911 hotline is fully operational and ready to respond to urgent concerns from affected areas. Amid criticisms of his informal tone in social media announcements, Remulla clarified that his intent was never to downplay the risks or the hard work of emergency responders. “Hindi ko po minamaliit ang pinaghihirapan ng mga frontliners natin. Ang ginagawa ko lang ay gawing mas magaan ang paraan ng pagpapaalala—hindi puro pangamba. Kung may hindi nakaintindi, humihingi ako ng pasensya. Pero wala po akong masamang intensyon,” Remulla said. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. expressed support for the Secretary’s communication approach, saying it helps cut through noise and misinformation on social media. “Criticize me, criticize him for the way we speak. But that’s the way he speaks. As long as he gets the message across. That’s what it’s for,” the President said.

DILG Orders Forced Evacuation in Habagat-Affected Areas In light of the dangers posed by the continuous heavy rainfall caused by the Southwest (SW) Monsoon, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged concerned local chief executives (LCEs) to implement forced evacuation when necessary to ensure the safety and protection of affected residents. This as he asked local government units (LGUs) to prioritize the safety of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.  Based on the latest weather advisory from PAGASA, the SW Monsoon will bring moderate to intense rains of up to 200mm within the next few days in several areas in Regions I, III, National Capital Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, VI, and the Negros Island Region.  Flooding is expected in areas that are urbanized, low-lying, and near rivers. Landslides may also occur in moderate to highly susceptible areas. Through a memorandum, Remulla also directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to fully support LCEs in the enforcement of forced evacuation efforts. He added that PNP personnel should ensure orderly implementation and assist in securing evacuated areas and evacuation centers. He likewise enjoined all affected residents to heed the advice of local authorities and  promptly relocate to designated evacuation centers or safe areas.   To ensure that the needs of evacuees and affected families are provided, LGUs were  tasked to coordinate with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and the Department of Social Welfare and Development  for relief distribution from the national government. Remulla reminded  the concerned  LCEs to always follow the Operation L!STO Protocols to guide them on what critical measures and actions to take in this situation.

DILG to LGUs of Five GEMs: Take action on environmental Issues The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will assess the implementation status of the action plans submitted by local government units (LGUs) of five major tourist island destinations, designated as green economy models (GEMs), amid persistent environmental concerns. The DILG will meet with the local chief executives of El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Panglao, and Boracay—the so-called five GEMs—to discuss concrete measures undertaken to address environmental and public health issues within their jurisdictions. The DILG said LGUs should establish strategies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve the water quality of waterways and other bodies of water in their areas. Earlier, the five GEMs submitted six-month rehabilitation action plans to the DILG, outlining strategies for liquid and solid waste management, tourism development, peace and order, and the handling of health-related concerns. Copies of the plans have been forwarded to relevant government agencies for appropriate action. Since last year, the DILG has been working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH), and LGUs to coordinate strategies addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing the five island destinations. The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to position the Philippines as a premier tourist destination in Asia.