Manila: The unified 911 system has recorded a total of 143,463 calls from September 11 to November 9, 2025, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) said was a clear indicator of growing public trust in the government's central emergency hotline. In a statement on Friday, the PNP reported that out of this number, 28,423 were legitimate calls that prompted immediate police response, while 22,541 were confirmed prank calls.
According to Philippines News Agency, the system also documented 1,941 fire incidents, 8,058 medical assistance calls, and 82,500 other calls consisting of public safety concerns, coordination with other agencies, and non-emergency inquiries. With an average response time of only 4.28 minutes, the PNP highlighted that the unified 911 system continues to enhance its capacity to respond swiftly, save lives, and maintain peace and order nationwide.
Acting Chief PNP Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the system's importance, stating, "The unified 911 system is a big step forward in our mission to protect every Filipino. By streamlining our operations, we respond faster and more effectively, helping save lives and maintain peace in our communities." The system has also logged over 7,200 public order disturbances and 7,300 crimes against persons. Medical emergencies and fire incidents make up a significant portion of the calls.
Nartatez further stated, "This system shows that with dedication and innovation, we can make the Philippines safer for everyone. Legitimate calls far outnumber prank calls, a sign that more Filipinos rely on unified 911 with confidence." Among the significant incidents was a call involving two foreign students, a 16-year-old Japanese and a 16-year-old Korean, from an international school in Cavite, who got lost on the slopes of Mt. Manabu in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas, on October 18. They were rescued after nearly three hours of searching through the forested trails at around 7:30 p.m.
Nartatez noted the effective synergy between unified 911 operators, local responders, and the Sto. Tomas Component City Police Station, demonstrating how an integrated emergency system can save lives. Another case involved assisting a senior citizen cancer patient in Mountain Province who needed to be transported to a hospital for chemotherapy. With roads to the nearest hospital in Sadanga town damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan and inaccessible to vehicles, joint personnel from the provincial police and the Bureau of Fire Protection transported the patient on foot. The patient was later transferred to Baguio City for further medical treatment.
"When citizens use unified 911 to report incidents, they become part of the life-saving process, as this success shows how technology, teamwork, and trust can protect lives and strengthen the bond between the police and the community," Nartatez added.
