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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG urges LGUs: Impose stiff sanctions on 911 prank callers

DILG urges LGUs: Impose stiff sanctions on 911 prank callers

Published Jul 17, 2025 01:49 pm
(DILG PHOTO)
(DILG PHOTO)
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) nationwide to enact ordinances that will strictly penalize prank callers to the national Emergency 911 hotline. 
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla issued the call as the department prepares to roll-out the upgraded Emergency 911 (E911) system this August.
“Dapat may ordinance ang lahat ng LGUs na may monetary fine, jail time basta prank call (All LGUs should have an ordinance that impose monetary fines, jail time for prank call),’’ Remulla said.
He said prank calling the emergency line must be met with real consequences, adding that detailed guidelines will follow once the system is fully launched.
In 2024, the E911 National Office reported that 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.
During the recent simulation exercise at Camp Crame, 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 (All the callers will have geofence and geo data. So if you make a prank call, within five minutes you will be caught),’’ Remulla stressed.
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 the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. which is an improved police visibility and public safety.
Despite the efficiency of the present technology, Remulla pointed out that the new system will enable the Philippine National Police (PNP) to have better response time and better quality of response.
Further, Remulla pointed out 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 (Currently 34 LGUs have their own 911 system. Then (Camp) Crame also has its own. What we are going to do is have a unified system in the whole Philippines), Remulla noted.’’ 
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