The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday announced that four newly established Unified 911 Satellite Command Centers (SCCs) in Regions I, II, VI, and VIII are now fully operational, further strengthening the country’s emergency response network and bringing life-saving services closer to communities.

The simultaneous activation of the command centers in Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Iloilo, and Leyte marks another major step in the implementation of the country’s first-ever Unified 911 Emergency Response System, a flagship initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aimed at ensuring that every Filipino can access emergency assistance quickly, wherever they may be.

For families facing medical emergencies, victims of accidents, communities affected by disasters, and citizens in distress, every second matters. The expansion of Unified 911 is designed to shorten response times, improve coordination among responders, and ensure that help reaches those who need it most.

According to the DILG, the establishment of the new command centers forms part of a broader strategy to decentralize emergency operations, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and build a more responsive and resilient emergency response system nationwide.

A key feature of the new facilities is the deployment of 21 dialect-sensitive Operators and Emergency Telecommunicators who are trained to communicate in the predominant languages spoken in their respective regions. These include Ilocano in Region I; Ilocano, Ibanag, and Yogad/Gaddang in Region II; Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Kinaray-a in Region VI; and Waray (Binisaya) and Cebuano in Region VIII.

The Department said language should never be a barrier during emergencies, particularly in situations where clear and immediate communication can mean the difference between life and death.

With the activation of the four new facilities, the total number of Unified 911 Command Centers nationwide now stands at six, including the National Command Center in Metro Manila and the Regional Command Center in Cebu.

The DILG also reported significant improvements in the performance of the Unified 911 system, with efficiency rates reaching 97.23 percent, up from 48.33 percent in 2024 and 70.71 percent during the initial stages of implementation in 2025.

Building on this momentum, the Department announced that four additional command centers are scheduled for establishment within the year as part of efforts to achieve a fully integrated national emergency response network.

Representing DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla Jr. during the simultaneous launching ceremonies, Philippine National Police Chief General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the Department remains committed to further strengthening local emergency response capabilities, including the provision of additional assets and support for local government units.

The Unified 911 Emergency Response System serves as the country’s centralized emergency hotline, allowing citizens to access police, fire, medical, and other emergency services through a single number, anytime and anywhere in the Philippines