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.

“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.

Remulla said the Cebu center allows callers to speak with operators who understand Visayan dialects.

The first 911 Regional Command Center in Cebu integrates fire, medical and rescue services under a unified system, aligning Cebu with global standards for rapid, coordinated and effective crisis intervention.

Drones are also set to be deployed for aerial monitoring during emergencies.

Remulla warned that prank calls will face penalties since they divert resources from genuine emergencies.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed the initiative, saying it brings faster communication and stronger action on urgent cases. (PNA)