Cebu city: The first 911 Regional Command Center in the Visayas is now operational in Cebu City, marking a major step in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for a faster emergency response that ensures life-saving help is accessible to all Filipinos. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla led the launch of the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline System in Central Visayas on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla emphasized the significance of the new system, highlighting its role in unifying emergency services across the country. ‘Today, we have one number: 911. It’s not about just the number. It is about being Filipino. Being Filipino means that we all respect each other. We respect each other enough that the service in Manila, that the service in Cavite is the same as the service here in Cebu, in Bohol, and in Mindanao,’ he said in a news release.

The Cebu center allows callers to communicate with operators who understand Visayan dialects, ensuring language does not become a barrier in emergency situations. It integrates fire, medical, and rescue services under a unified system, aligning Cebu with global standards for rapid, coordinated, and effective crisis intervention.

In a bid to enhance the capabilities of emergency response, drones are set to be deployed for aerial monitoring during emergencies. The new system also aims to tackle the issue of prank calls, which Remulla warned will face penalties as they divert resources from genuine emergencies.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed support for the initiative, noting that it promises faster communication and stronger action on urgent cases.