MANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has urged local chief executives to pass ordinances penalizing prank callers to the national 911 emergency hotline, as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) prepares to launch an upgraded Emergency 911 system in August.

“Dapat may ordinance ang lahat ng LGUs na may monetary fine, jail time basta prank call,” Remulla said, underscoring the need to impose real consequences on those who abuse the emergency system. He added that detailed implementing guidelines will be issued once the system goes live.

Data from the E911 National Office showed that nearly 12 million calls were received in 2024, about 60 percent of which were classified as prank, hoax, or fraudulent.

Under Presidential Decree No. 1727, individuals who maliciously spread false information may be punished with up to five years in prison, a fine of up to PHP40,000, or both.

During a simulation exercise at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Remulla said the enhanced system will include tracking capabilities to 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 upgraded system will also support language-sensitive responses and push-to-talk over cellular (PoC/PTToC) features to ensure real-time coordination with over 1,000 police officers nationwide.

Remulla said the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve 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 the system aims to unify all local emergency hotlines under a single national 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,” Remulla said.