Manila: House of Representatives Committee on Public Order and Safety Vice Chairperson, Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos, on Thursday urged local government units (LGUs) to integrate their emergency response systems into the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline to avoid confusion and address system lapses.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bernos emphasized the need for complete participation from LGUs to ensure the success of the Unified 911 system. He warned that without integration, there could be a duplication of services, which might lead to public confusion during crises about which agency to approach.

The Unified 911 Emergency Hotline is a centralized network in the Philippines, linking the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and LGUs. It aims to provide round-the-clock assistance across the nation. Bernos highlighted the ease of recalling the three-digit hotline number, which simplifies the process for people who might otherwise struggle to find their local emergency command center's contact.

Bernos advocated for continued collaboration among agencies and LGUs to enhance the system's efficiency and effectiveness in responding to emergencies. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the new system and stressed the importance of cooperation among public order and safety stakeholders to bring about improvements.

Furthermore, Bernos called for adequate funding to boost Unified 911's capabilities, suggesting the hiring of additional call-takers to reduce waiting times and making substantial investments in necessary technologies.

According to DILG, Unified 911 currently manages an average of 70,000 calls daily.