CEBU—Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed the launching of the first Regional Command Center System of the new Unified 911 on October 25, at the PLDT-Jones Office in Cebu City, highlighting the significance of the Unified 911 system describing it as a symbol of coordination and preparedness.
“As Governor, I welcome this initiative, reminding everyone of the promise that someone will always answer the call for help,” Baricuatro said. The Unified 911 system is described as a means to ensure faster response, clear communication, and a stronger connection between front liners, LGU, and the people, she added.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with its attached agencies, launched the modernized Unified 911 system in September 2025 at the National Command Center (NCC), temporarily housed at the PLDT Building in Sampaloc, Manila.
As part of its nationwide rollout, Regional and Satellite Command Centers will be established across the country to make emergency services more responsive and language-inclusive. The first Visayas Regional Command Center, located at the PLDT-Jones Office in Cebu City, marks a major milestone in enhancing the government’s capacity to deliver fast, coordinated, and lifesaving emergency response services.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) director Jesus Fernandez described the launching as a wonderful moment for public safety and emergency preparedness in Cebu and the entire Visayas region. The unified 911, Cebu satellite command center is more than just a center of operations. This facility represents the future of emergency management that is more connected, efficient and resilient, Fernandez said in his message at the event.
“It aligns Cebu with global standards for rapid, coordinated and effective crisis intervention. The integration of police, fire, medical and rescue services under one unified system will definitely reduce response time and ensure that resources are deployed faster smarter,” Fernandez added.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez also emphasized
the importance of the unified 911 Cebu satellite command center for public
safety and emergency preparedness in Cebu and the entire Visayas region.
“The facility is described as a future-oriented emergency management system that is more connected, efficient, and resilient, aligning with global standards for rapid crisis intervention. The integration of police, fire, medical, and rescue services under one unified system is expected to reduce response times and ensure smarter deployment of resources,” Nartatez explained, highlighting the significance of the center in ensuring faster and more effective emergency response.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla on the other hand, outlined the next steps, including the implementation of 911 services, vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks.
“The vision includes the deployment of long-range drones for 24/7 patrols in various cities, including Metro Manila, Cebu, and others.” He also bared future plans and technological advancements including the introduction of Sky Net, which features long-range drones patrolling the skies.
The drones will be operational 24/7, seven days
a week, and will respond quickly to 911 calls. The drones will take photos and
ensure the safety of the public, marking a significant technological
advancement. This initiative is
presented as a corruption-free system aimed at benefiting the entire
Philippines, Remulla said. (Photos: MBCNewman)
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