Emergency response in Cebu and across the Visayas is poised to become faster, smarter, and more localized with the launch of the Philippines’ first 911 Regional Command Center in Cebu City on Saturday, October 25.
Spearheaded by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the event marked a significant milestone in the nationwide rollout of the Unified 911 system.
Strategically located at the PLDT Jones Office, the Visayas Regional Command Center integrates police, fire, medical, and rescue services under one roof.
It employs Next Generation Advanced (NGA) technology to accurately pinpoint caller and responder locations, consolidate communication channels, and streamline incident management.
‘Today, we have one number: 911. It’s not just about the number-it’s about being Filipino,’ said Secretary Remulla. ‘Whether you’re in Manila, Cavite, Cebu, or Mindanao, the service must be the same. We respect each other enough to make that happen.’
A key feature of the center is its Visayan-speaking operators, ensuring that language and cultural barriers do not hinder life-saving assistance.
The facility is designed to serve Cebu, Bohol, and neighboring provinces with real-time coordination and faster dispatch.
‘For the Philippines, being an archipelago of more than 100 dialects, we must respect each other and be together. Despite our differences in politics, we must realize that we are Filipinos, and the service must come as one,’ Remulla added.
Originally envisioned for early 2025, Cebu’s regional center builds on the foundation laid by the Cebu City 911 Command Center, which was launched in September 2024.
It now stands as the first regional node in the DILG’s plan to establish a nationwide network of Unified 911 facilities.
This latest development is supported by PLDT Inc., NGA 911, Next Generation Core Services (NGCS), and e-PLDT, with the goal of delivering responsive, inclusive, and localized emergency services across the archipelago.
The country’s emergency response system has evolved significantly since the launch of the fragmented Patrol 117 hotline in 1998.
In 2016, Executive Order No. 56 under then President Rodrigo Duterte institutionalized 911 as the national emergency number, aligning the Philippines with global standards.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the system has been further strengthened, beginning with the launch of the National Command Center (NCC) in Manila in September 2025.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival described the launch as a major step toward strengthening the country’s capacity for coordinated and lifesaving emergency response.
‘This a major step toward strengthening our country’s capacity for faster, coordinated, and lifesaving emergency response.Mapasalamaton ko sa DILG sa pagpili sa Cebu isip unang lokasyon sa Regional Command Center. Usa kini ka dakong oportunidad aron mapaligon pa nato ang atong kaandam ug kapasidad sa emergency ug disaster response,’Mayor Archival said.
Cebu Governor Pamela ‘Pam’ Baricuatro also welcomed the development while also shared that they were also supposed to be planning a provincial-level system months ago but was informed by Malacañang of the Unified 911 rollout in Cebu.
The Capitol Provincial Information Office, in its official Facebook page, also reported that Secretary Remulla committed to deliver 200 patrol cars, motorcycles, and firetrucks to Cebu as part of the broader emergency response upgrade.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Director Jesus P. Fernandez pledged full integration with the Philippine National Police (PNP), DILG, and local government units (LGUs), and committed to supporting public information campaigns for responsible 911 use.
PNP Chief PLT. Gen. Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. also affirmed the readiness of the police force, citing vehicle support and body-worn cameras to enhance emergency response capabilities.
The launch was also attended by DILG Undersecretaries Serafin P. Barretto Jr., Jon Paulo V. Salvahan, and Marlo L. Iringan; DILG Region VII Director Leocadio T. Trovela; DILG Cebu Provincial Director Jesus Robel T. Sastrillo; BFP VII Regional Director Chief Supt. Fred Trajeras; Lapu-Lapu Congressman Junard ‘Ahong’ Chan and his wife Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia ‘Cindi’ King-Chan; and Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano.