The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said more and more women are calling the country’s Unified 911 hotline to report violence and seek emergency assistance, noting that the hotline now logs about 300 and 500 calls per day.
Emergency 911 National Office executive director Francis Fajardo said the calls pertaining violence against women and children significantly increased since the launch of the modernized Unified 911 system in September 2025.
“In 2025 alone, we received more than 5,000 VAWC-related calls,” Fajardo said, reflecting growing public awareness and trust in the system.
He said the increase indicated that more victims are reaching out for help and that authorities can respond promptly through the single hotline number.
“If you experience violence, call 911 immediately. We have a protocol that ensures we can respond quickly,” Fajardo said.
Under the Unified 911 system, trained emergency telecommunicators assess each call and determine the appropriate response.
Cases involving non-physical abuse or those requiring mediation are referred to the Barangay VAWC Desk for documentation and intervention, with a feedback mechanism to ensure follow-up.
Incidents involving physical abuse or imminent danger are immediately escalated to the Philippine National Police, which dispatches officers to secure the victim and initiate legal action against the alleged offender.
Fajardo said all reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with established response protocols.
To further strengthen response capability, the DILG is preparing to establish additional Unified 911 call centers nationwide to ensure faster handling of emergencies, including VAWC cases.
As the country marks National Women’s Month in March, the DILG reiterated that help is available through the 911 hotline.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “DILG: About 300 to 500 women calling 911 hotline for help daily”
