Philippines leads Southeast Asia in next-gen 911 emergency response

The Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, is making a major leap in emergency preparedness with the rollout of a next-generation 911 system. This initiative, launched under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), aims to modernize emergency response by leveraging advanced technology to improve speed, accuracy, and coordination across local government units (LGUs).

For years, the country has consistently ranked high on the World Risk Index due to its vulnerability to typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Beyond natural disasters, Filipinos also face daily emergencies such as vehicular accidents, medical crises, and security threats. However, the absence of a unified emergency number among LGUs has made it difficult for citizens to receive timely assistance.

The revitalized 911 initiative

In August 2024, the DILG, led by Executive Director Francis Fajardo of the E911 national office, launched a revitalized 911 program to address these gaps. The initiative began with the Philippine National Police (PNP), drastically improving response times to between three to five minutes, with 90% of calls being answered after just two rings.

During the 7th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines on February 7, 2025, DILG Secretary Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla urged local chief executives to support the 911 modernization effort.

Currently, seven LGUs—including Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Cebu City; Cagayan de Oro City; and Mambajao, Camiguin—are equipped with next-generation 911 solutions. These systems are fully digital, IP-based, and designed for speed and efficiency, replacing outdated infrastructure with modern emergency communication tools.

The technology behind next-gen 911

The new system, provided by NGA 911 Philippines, the local subsidiary of NGA 911 LLC, a US-based company, directly routes emergency calls to LGU command centers. Advanced dashboards give responders real-time visual data, while an automated incident ticketing system streamlines workflows, reducing errors and improving dispatch times.

According to Robert Llaguno, country head of NGA Philippines, upcoming enhancements will further strengthen the system:

• Caller location tracking for pinpoint accuracy

• Photo and video submission from callers for real-time assessment

• Integration with CCTV networks for situational awareness

• Auto transcription that converts live or recorded audio into text

Llaguno emphasized that these innovations will position the Philippines as a leader in emergency response technology in Asia, making it the first Southeast Asian country to implement next-gen 911 on par with the US and Europe.

Revolutionizing public safety in disaster-prone areas

The next-gen 911 system is not just about faster emergency response—it is about interoperability. The platform allows seamless communication and data sharing between different public safety agencies, enabling a coordinated and efficient approach to crisis situations.

“Location-based routing allows emergency responders to know the exact location of callers, leading to faster and more accurate dispatching of emergency services,” Llaguno explained.

Additionally, dispatchers and first responders will have access to real-time video feeds from callers, allowing them to assess emergencies before arriving on-site.

“All told, NG911 makes emergency response highly adaptable and reliable. It is better equipped to handle emergencies, including natural disasters and mass casualty events,” Llaguno added.

A step towards becoming the regional leader in emergency response

Next-generation 911 technology is widely recognized as the future of emergency response systems, integrating modern communication tools, AI-driven insights, and enhanced decision-making capabilities.

Once fully deployed, the Philippines is set to become one of the best in Southeast Asia for emergency preparedness, setting a standard for other nations in the region.

“With a fully unified national emergency response system, the Philippines will be among the best, if not the best, in Southeast Asia for emergency preparedness and response,” Llaguno concluded.