More women are calling 911 and getting help says DILG

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured the public that the country’s Unified 911 system is fully prepared to respond to violence against women and children cases, with clear protocols in place to ensure swift, coordinated, and confidential assistance.

“Now, more people are calling for VAWC-related cases. We are better able to monitor and take action now because of our new Unified 911 single hotline number,” Emergency 911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo said.

Fajardo reported that Unified 911 received more than 5,000 VAWC-related calls in 2025 alone, a clear sign that more victims are reaching out and that the system is responding.

Since the launch of the modernized Unified 911 hotline in September 2025, VAWC-related calls have increased significantly and now average between 300 and 500 calls per month.

“If you experience violence, call 911 immediately. We have protocols in place to ensure that the complaint is addressed promptly,” Fajardo said.

He emphasized that all reports are handled with strict confidentiality and processed in accordance with established response procedures.

Under the Unified 911 system, trained emergency telecommunicators immediately assess the nature and urgency of each VAWC-related call. Cases involving non-physical abuse or those requiring community-level mediation are promptly referred to the Barangay VAW Desk for documentation, intervention, and appropriate action. A feedback mechanism is in place to ensure callers receive updates and that concerned offices act on the reports.

Incidents involving physical abuse or imminent danger are escalated without delay to the Philippine National Police for immediate intervention. Police officers are dispatched to secure the victim’s safety and initiate legal action against the respondent, whether a spouse, live-in partner, or other offender.

To further strengthen emergency response nationwide, the DILG is preparing to establish additional Unified 911 call centers across all regions to ensure faster and more efficient handling of emergencies, including VAWC-related incidents.