PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte issued an executive order (EO) setting the number “911” as the National Emergency Hotline Number, replacing Patrol 117. Duterte signed EO 56 last Friday but was released to media a week later. “There is a need to improve public safety services and existing peace and order and public safety mechanisms by providing a clear command structure for responsibility and accessibility and by encouraging and facilitating the prompt deployment of a seamless nationwide communication infrastructure for emergency services,” the order read. The Emergency 911 program will consist of the National Hotline Public Safety Answering Center, or the national Call Center. The Emergency 911 commission will be chaired by the DILG.

Source: Manila Times June 01, 2018 10:40 UTC