Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday urged all local chief executives to enact ordinances penalizing prank callers to the national emergency hotline as the agency prepares to roll out an upgraded Emergency 911 system this August.

“There should be an ordinance in all LGUs with monetary fine, jail time for prank calls,” Remulla said, stressing that prank calls to the emergency line must face real consequences. He noted that detailed guidelines would follow once the system is fully launched.

Reports from the E911 National Office show that in 2024, the system handled nearly 12 million calls, with about 60 percent identified as fraudulent, hoax, or prank calls. Under Presidential Decree No. 1727, individuals who maliciously spread false information may face up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to P40,000, or both.

Speaking during a simulation exercise at Camp Crame, Remulla warned the public that the new system will have tracking capabilities to quickly identify prank callers.

“All callers will have geofence and geo data. So if you make a prank call, they can catch you within five minutes,” Remulla said.

The enhanced system will also include language-sensitive capabilities and push-to-talk over cellular (PoC/PTToC) features, allowing real-time coordination with over 1,000 police officers nationwide.

Remulla said the upgraded system is part of the administration’s broader push for faster police response, complying with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for improved police visibility and public safety.

“Despite the technology we are using, we are doing very well. But with our new system, I think the PNP will have better response time, better quality of response,” said the DILG chief.