Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has strengthened the Unified 911 emergency response capability in Eastern Visayas with the turnover of 50 emergency response motorcycles to Tourist Police Units across the region.

Remulla led the turnover of the Class 1 emergency response motorcycles at Police Regional Office 8 in Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, on Tuesday.

The DILG chief highlighted Unified 911’s dialect-inclusive assistance, which allows callers to seek help using the language they are most comfortable with.

Through the region’s satellite command center, emergency calls can be handled with sensitivity to local dialects, helping operators better understand situations and relay critical information to responders.

The DILG said clearer communication is particularly important during emergencies, when delays or misunderstandings could affect response times.

The Eastern Visayas turnover followed Remulla’s distribution of 20 emergency response vehicles to the Albay and Camarines Sur police provincial offices on Monday as part of the nationwide expansion of Unified 911 capabilities.

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Remulla was joined by PRO 8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy and local officials from across Eastern Visayas.

The motorcycles will be strategically deployed to Tourist Police Units to improve police mobility and shorten response times, particularly in tourist destinations and areas where immediate assistance is needed.

Remulla also convened the Regional Management and Coordinating Committee to strengthen coordination among agencies responsible for peace and order, public safety and local governance.

The meeting brought together regional, provincial and city officials to assess security concerns and improve interagency responses.

Remulla commended authorities for their handling of the recent Tacloban shooting, citing their response, investigation and follow-up efforts.

He also called for continued professionalization of government institutions and closer coordination among national agencies, local governments and other stakeholders.