Domestic Abuse Tops VAWC-Related Calls to 911; Victims Assured of Safe, Confidential Reporting

Domestic abuse continues daily in Philippine households, alongside wife battery, maltreatment, and rape, while children face online sexual abuse and exploitation, violent discipline, incest, bullying, neglect, psychological abuse, and economic exploitation.

 

Data from the Emergency 911 National Office from January 2025 to February 2026 shows domestic trouble as the most reported case, with 2,533 calls involving physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse. Wife battery, maltreatment, and rape cases followed at 214,209 and 106 incidents, while 173 calls involved child abuse.

 

Other cases included sexual harassment (80), acts of lasciviousness (60), prostitution (8), human trafficking (5), abandoned children (3), and abortion (1). Most VAWC calls came from Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Cebu Province, followed by Dumaguete and Bacolod.

 

E911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo said the hotline receives an average of 300 to 500 VAWC-related calls monthly, with increased reporting since the September 2025 rollout of Unified 911. He clarified that the rise does not necessarily mean more abuse, but reflects improved reporting through an easy-to-remember hotline and faster response using next-generation technology.

 

Call-handling efficiency also rose to 98 percent from 48 percent in 2024.

 

Despite this, many victims remain hesitant to report, even with confidential assistance available through the Philippine National Police and barangay VAWC desks.

 

Robert Llaguno, Country Head of NGA Philippines, assured victims they can safely and privately call 911.

 

“Abuse victims need not fear exposure or suffer retaliation from their tormentors when they call for help using 911. The next-generation emergency system that we have has enhanced security and privacy protocols that protect caller confidentiality even while voice calls, real-time text, photos or videos are being transmitted. The system is built on secure, IP-based networks that make sure personal data shared during an emergency is used only for the purpose of delivering immediate assistance,” Llaguno explained.

 

“All data, including caller location, is protected from unauthorized access during the emergency call. Digital infrastructures make sure that all information shared between caller and the emergency call center is confidential and secure. The system is engineered to protect the caller and also provide situational awareness to the first responders,” Llaguno assured.

 

He added that access is simple and nationwide.

 

“There are only three numbers to remember wherever you are in the country. Dial 911 and within seconds, the integrated system goes to work. Trained call takers evaluate the call to determine what type of emergency response is needed. The call goes through a network that engages the national police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, medical services and LGUs so help arrives almost instantly at the exact location of the call.

 

“The service is free and is available 24/7. It is language-sensitive so callers can converse in Tagalog, Cebuano, Waray, Ilocano, Tausug, and other native languages,” Llaguno added.

 

He urged continued use of the system beyond Women’s Month.

 

“It is time for women and children anywhere in the Philippines to get the respect, care and protection that they deserve. Now they have someone who will listen, act, and protect them from harm. The unified 911 system is designed to give citizens peace of mind and a reliable lifeline.”

 

As DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, “Unified 911 should not just be a hotline. It is a lifeline. Every second matters, every call matters, every life matters. This is government fulfilling its promise that help will always be within reach.”

 

Unified, Nationwide E911 System will Give Filipinos Greater Peace of Mind

 

With the rollout of the Unified 911, the country now has a single reliable hotline for police, fire, medical, and disaster emergencies. This gives Filipinos faster and improved access to life-saving services. By dialing 911 from anywhere, calls can be traced in seconds and first responders dispatched within three to five minutes because the new system can pinpoint their exact location.

The Unified 911 is a joint initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), PLDT Inc. (PLDT), through its corporate business arm PLDT Enterprise and ICT subsidiary ePLDT, NGCS Inc., and NGA 911 Philippines, the local arm of U.S.-based NGA 911 LLC. It introduces next generation emergency communications technology already proven in the United States and Europe.

The system comes with advanced features designed to strengthen public safety. It has GPS-based location tracking that allows faster and more precise dispatch of emergency teams. It uses internet protocol to transmit voice, text, and video between callers and responders, providing real-time data that enhances situational awareness and supports better decision-making. It integrates the Philippine National Police, BFP, and local government emergency response units into one centralized network, with more agencies and features to follow. It is also hosted on ePLDT’s Pilipinas Cloud and the Amazon Web Service platform to ensure reliability and resiliency.

For the joint project, NGA has brought to the Philippines an advanced emergency communications system that can provide faster and more accurate emergency responses to people in need. It is the same technology used in the United States and Europe that has proven to be a game-changer in emergency communications. The system leverages NGA 911’s next generation 911 technology to deliver the project’s critical functions and capabilities.

Don Ferguson, Co-Founder and CEO of NGA 911 LLC, said the system “will help the DILG save more lives and empower more communities now that all systems have been unified into one nationwide system. The technology is a true cloud-based NG 9-1-1 solution

operating on the Amazon Web Service (AWS) Cloud Platform and uses a robust and

resilient Internet Protocol (IP) backbone that has replaced the decades-old 911

infrastructure to turn emergency communication into Next Generation 911.

Launched on September 11 in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive under Bagong Pilipinas, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla mentioned that the system shall integrate around 30 fragmented local hotlines into one universal number: 911.

 

Robert Llaguno, NGA 911 Philippines Country Manager, said, “We have been entrusted to build the 911 mission-critical systems and communication facilities that will help save lives, protect property, and unify our first responder communications. This partnership is aiming for nothing short of unparalleled service, and this is my commitment to my family and the Filipino people.”

Emergency Calls Can Now be Made Using Messaging Apps and Social Media in Morong, Rizal and Mambajao

Residents and visitors of Morong town in Rizal and the municipality of Mambajao in Camiguin Island can now make emergency calls to their 911 command centers using their preferred messaging apps.

 

NGA 911 Philippines, provider of next generation, advanced emergency communication systems in the country, has activated its secure, omnichannel platform called NEXiS Message in the two destinations to further modernize and streamline emergency response for the above-mentioned LGUs.

 

This means calls for help can now be made via text messaging, video calls, group chats and voice calls sent through popular messaging app Facebook Messenger, with other messaging apps to follow. The Morong and Mambajao LGUs can now receive and manage messages from these apps using a single, unified platform.

 

This advanced emergency response upgrade has been made possible with the activation of NGA Philippines’ NEXiS Message feature which has now integrated the two popular social media apps into one safe repository. Emergency callers and first responders can now share photos, videos and files that may help amplify the messages and information that they share in connection with their emergency. The repository safely logs all the files tied to the reported incidents.

 

Prior to the activation of NGA’s NEXiS, sharing private information like names, addresses, circumstances and other delicate information on a public domain is not secure because necessary cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive data are lacking. Emergency response teams must also monitor multiple apps from different stations, which may result in fragmented and slower response.

 

But now emergency callers have privacy and protection. “Built on NGA 911’s robust cybersecurity protocols, messages sent through NEXiS are fully encrypted. This ensures that all information – including photos, videos and files shared by constituents  -- is protected,” explained NGA 911 Philippines’ Country Head Robert Llaguno.

 

“LGUs no longer need a dedicated station for each messaging app. All incoming communications coming through NEXiS Message are received and managed from a single interface. This also improves efficiency and response times,” Llaguno shared.

 

Citizens get seamless access to emergency response because of the new features, Llaguno said, especially if they are more comfortable using social media rather than hand held devices to communicate. “Citizens can now use their familiar messaging apps to report emergencies. They are assured that all their messages will be safely routed to the LGU's NEXiS Message platform so they are received quickly and handled with the highest level of security,” Llaguno added.

NEXiS Message is NGA 911’s cloud-native system that easily integrates with legacy and new communication systems and supports mapping, voice recording, video, SMS and multimedia. Besides enhancing connectivity it also fosters inter-agency collaboration and improves crisis management with streamlined information delivery across multiple platforms.

 

“This is the future of emergency response that is enjoyed by developed countries all over the world and it is now in the Philippines,” Llaguno said.

 

NGA 911 Philippines, a subsidiary of NGA 911 LLC in the US, is working with LGUs and institutions to modernize emergency response systems in the Philippines using next generation 911 technology.

Strengthening Disaster Preparedness: SM Makes the Incident Command System Possible

In a country like the Philippines, where typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities are part of the norm, resilience is not just a necessity but a way of life. Ranked consistently high in the World Risk Index due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, the nation faces challenges that demand coordinated, forward-thinking approaches to disaster preparedness and response. 

Among those leading the way is SM Supermalls, whose commitment to resilience continues to evolve through investments in systems that safeguard not only business continuity but, more importantly, the communities they serve.

Disaster resilience in the private sector has become increasingly crucial.

Corporations have the capacity to create ripple effects both in terms of operational continuity and their influence on surrounding communities. For SM, a sustained and risk-informed approach to resilience ensures that when emergencies strike, response is swift, coordinated, and grounded in tested protocols.

A key initiative in this approach is the company’s very own rollout of the Incident Command System (ICS). Designed to provide a standardized structure for managing emergency response, the ICS originated in the United States and is widely recognized as an on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept. Through its unified hierarchy and clearly defined roles, the ICS ensures that different responders---from government agencies to private security teams---can act in sync. This leads to more efficient resource management, better communication, and a higher degree of accountability during high-pressure situations.

As part of the initiative, SM regularly implements emergency preparedness drills across its network of malls and consistently participates in nationwide efforts for disaster preparedness, such as the annual fire and earthquake drills led by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). These efforts are complemented by support for the quarterly Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). These exercises include both employees and tenants, creating a culture of readiness that extends beyond corporate boundaries.

In addition, 79 SM Supermalls have been certified under the Business Continuity Management Systems---a reflection of the company’s structured and systematized approach to disaster risk reduction and recovery. This level of certification not only reflects internal diligence but also sets a benchmark for the broader business sector.

SM also has a dedicated resilience center, which operates as a centralized communications hub during large-scale disruptions. This facility coordinates with all SM malls to ensure rapid information flow and streamlined decision-making in the event of a national emergency.

SM’s collaborative approach to disaster resilience was also demonstrated during the 2024 Asia- Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila. On the last day of the conference, SM City Clark became the focal point of an ICS demonstration attended by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Resilience and foreign delegates.

The event showcased a unified response involving mall management, the Clark and Angeles municipalities, the BFP, OCD Region 3, and NDRRMC. Together, they enacted coordinated procedures designed to enhance public safety, offering an up-close look at how integrated disaster response works in a real-world environment.

In preparation for the site visit, SM Supermalls partnered with ARISE Philippines, the Private Sector Alliance for Resilient Societies, to conduct an ICS workshop alongside the OCD. This training brought together heads of operations, human resources, security, and Information Technology from SM City Clark and nearby locators such as Park Inn Hotel. Facilitated by experts from the BFP and the Philippine Army, the workshop provided hands-on training in ICS protocol, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to capacity-building at the local level.

NGA 911 Briefs Metro Manila Council on Advanced, Next-Gen Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness in LA

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Next Generation Advanced (NGA) 911 -- an IP-based emergency communications system that transforms crisis response through technology, integration and real-time reporting -- presented the future of public safety and emergency response to a delegation of the Metro Manila Council and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) at an educational tour in Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles California recently.

NGA’s Chief Executive Officer Don Ferguson and Chief Financial Officer Ishka Villacisneros welcomed the local government executives in LA and briefed them on NGA’s mission to enhance public safety and emergency response, letting them know that NGA, their technology and systems are already available, and infrastructure built in the Philippines.

The presentation included a demonstration of how the advanced system performs in various emergency response situations. Simulations of actual crisis situations where NGA 911’s next generation technology developed by the company in LA were highlighted.

“NGA 911 provides cities and communities in the US and other countries with peace of mind through our advanced and next generation emergency response systems. We are happy to announce that this next-generation 911 technology is now in the Philippines and we are looking to save more lives and empower more communities by unifying all systems in the future,” said Ferguson.

NGA 911 has ongoing deployments in Rizal, Pangasinan and Cagayan De Oro regions. These LGUs are now ready to provide the next-generation digital technology for emergency communication and public safety services that is used in the United States.

“We are partnering with NGA 911 to equip our public safety officers with a system that will enable them to provide immediate emergency assistance and help us adapt to the ever changing landscape of public safety,” Morong Mayor Sidney Soriano had said at the announcement of their LGU’s partnership with NGA 911 in April 2023.

Among the Metro Manila mayors present in the event were San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon, Mayor Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa, Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Mayor Ike Ponce of Pateros, Vice Mayor April Aguilar Nery of Las Piñas, together with CDRRMMO officers and MMDA official led by Usec. Frisco San Juan, Atty. Vic Trinidad, and Atty. Cris Saruca.

The NGA presentation was part of the educational tour of the Philippine delegation on Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Response in the US that also coincided with the Manila International Film Festival itinerary organized by the MMDA in Los Angeles, California.

As part of the educational trip, NGA facilitated a Los Angeles City Hall tour for the Metro Manila mayors who had the opportunity to interact and talk with the City of Los Angeles Deputy Mayors and city officials.

PLDT Global, U.S.-Based Next Generation Advanced 911 Bring Advanced Emergency Communications System to PH

PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global) is enabling United States-based technology solutions provider Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) to help boost emergency response systems in the Philippines with advanced technology, delivered through the nationwide PLDT network infrastructure. PLDT Global is the international unit of PLDT Inc. 

Under the partnership, NGA 911 will be able to provide its NG9-1-1 solution to Philippine customers like LGUs and public safety teams. NG9-1-1 is an IP-based emergency communications system that aims to improve emergency response by enabling callers to send text, photos, and videos to 911 centers, as well as receive real-time data on the location and status of responders. With NG9-1-1, responders can gain access to precise and comprehensive information regarding emergency situations, leading to expedited and enhanced response capabilities.

 

"We are excited to partner with PLDT Global to bring the NG9-1-1 platform to the Philippines,” says Don Ferguson, CEO of NGA 911. “NG9-1-1 will transform the practice of emergency communications and response in the Philippines. We have delivered this solution to public safety agencies across the United States.  Soon, Philippine customers can gain access to NGA 911’s advanced emergency communication technologies that are currently only available in the United States. We look forward to working with PLDT Global to make this a reality.”

 

“With PLDT’s extensive network and digital expertise, we hope to make this technology accessible to Filipinos and create an opportunity for the Philippines to be a 911 hub in Asia,” says Roselle Dela Cruz, Vice President - Americas and EMEA of PLDT Global.

 

Apart from servicing the needs of overseas Filipinos, PLDT Global is also committed to bringing international solutions to the Philippines. This opens more opportunities for the country to deliver the technology needs of the global market, by leveraging on the PLDT group’s digital infrastructure.

 

"We are here to provide innovative platforms to our global network of carriers and enterprise customers, linking them to potential clients who might need their services not only overseas, but also in the Philippines. Through this partnership, we hope to deliver world-class next-generation 911 services to local public safety agencies and emergency responders,” says Albert Villa-Real, PLDT Global President and CEO.

 

Photo: (Left) Albert Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global Corporation and (Right) Don Ferguson, CEO and Co-Founder at NGA 911

This PLDT Global initiative contributes to PLDT’s broader goal of enabling the Philippines’ digital infrastructure and boosting its ambition to become the hyperscaler hub of the region and a key destination for digital transformation and investment.

 

For more information, visit www.nga911.ph

Morong, Rizal is first LGU to use Next Generation 911 Emergency Communication System

Morong, Rizal, 24 April 2023 -- Citizens of Morong, Rizal will now find it easy to call for help and expect instant response from their local government during disasters and other types of emergencies.

Mayor Sidney B. Soriano, Vice Mayor Jose Fred Feliciano, Jr., and other key municipal officials signed an agreement on April 24, 2023 with Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) that made Morong the first LGU to use advanced, next-generation digital technology for emergency communication and public safety services.

The second-class municipality with over 70,000 residents has assigned NGA - Philippines, a local subsidiary of NGA, a multinational corporation headquartered in California USA, to provide Morong with complete solutions that will enable the LGU to respond to emergencies, save lives and secure property in the fastest possible time.

Known globally as the innovator of the emergency calling technology, NGA is the leader in Next Generation 911 emergency communications. NGA provides an advanced emergency communications system that can provide faster and more accurate emergency responses to people in need. This system is critical in times of crisis, where time is of the essence, and accurate information can be the difference between life and death.

This technology is used in the United States, and it has proven to be a game-changer in emergency communications. The system uses internet protocol (IP) technology to transmit voice, text, and video messages between callers and emergency responders. It can also provide real-time data on the location and condition of callers, which can help first responders make more informed decisions in emergency situations. This is the only true cloud-based NG 9-1-1 solution operating on the Amazon Web Service (AWS) Cloud platform uses a robust and resilient Internet Protocol (IP) backbone that will replace the decades-old 911 infrastructure and turn emergency communication into Next Generation 911.

The digital-led system will enhance the LGU’s response capabilities with faster reaction time, accurate location tracking, consolidation of communication channels, call routing, collaboration and mapping and thus help save Morong residents’ lives,” said NGA Philippines Country Manager Robert Andrew Llaguno.

“Its IoT (internet of things) capabilities allows interaction beyond regular devices like smart phones, desktops and gadgets. It allows seamless integration with public safety technology and systems like CCTVs, two-way radio, and social media apps to provide front liners with valuable information, resulting to better situational awareness and quicker, more efficient response.”

Llaguno added that the system gathers information and stores everything in an unlimited fully-recorded environment complete with audit trail, dashboards, and logs. The data is secured by NGA 911’s international standards-compliant Next Generation and Cybersecurity capabilities and helps the LGU improve the speed and quality of its response.

Even the hearing-impaired can make efficient use of the system, Llaguno said. A Real Time Text (RTT) feature makes it easy for both callers and call receivers to report incidents, so those in danger need not do voice calls to report a crime, accident or emergency, making them feel safe and more secure in challenging situations.

While Morong, Rizal already has an Operations Center in place, the municipality’s current system will benefit from the advanced technology that will make coordination and response to emergencies at the soonest possible time.

“We are partnering with NGA 911 to equip our public safety officers with a system that will enable them to provide immediate emergency assistance and help us adapt to the ever-changing landscape of public safety. Quick response is valuable because the equivalent of every second can be life or death. Whether the emergency is medical, fire, crime or accident, we need to provide fast and effective response. The NGA 911 Call Handling System will let us respond faster and more efficiently. Finally, our constituents are going to get the peace of mind they deserve,” noted Mayor Soriano.

Mayor Soriano enjoined other LGUs to prioritize public safety and follow suit. “We set an example here today for other municipalities and cities to follow. Let’s prioritize public safety and invest in the future of our communities.”

“The implementation of NG911 technology in the Philippines could significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response systems in the country. We are using Next Generation 911 Technology currently being implemented across the United States. With Mr. Soriano’s leadership and support, we are confident that we can make this a reality and provide better emergency services to the Filipinos.” said Ishka Villacisneros, Chief Financial Officer of NGA in the United States.

At the contract signing, Mr. Llaguno briefed guests on the features and interface of the groundbreaking technology and demonstrated how the system works and delivers on its promise.

For more information, visit facebook.com/nga911ph and nga911.ph.

SM Distributes Boxes of Water Relief to Taal Eruption Victims in Batangas

SM Supermalls, SM Cares, and SM Foundation Inc. head to the evacuation centers in Batangas and Lipa to distribute boxes of 6.6L bottled water to the affected residents of the recent Taal volcano eruption.

The boxes of bottled water were given out to the victims who are temporarily residing in evacuation centers in Sto. Toribio, Banay-Banay, and Inosloban-Maraouy in Lipa and Batangas City Coliseum in Batangas.

SM Supermalls has partnered with the Philippine National Red Cross to extend urgent relief support and assistance to affected communities through its 12 malls in South Luzon. Those who wish to donate may drop-off their in-kind donations at the designated Oplan Tulong Express booths in the following SM malls: Bacoor, Dasmariñas, Molino, Rosario, Trece Martires, Imus, Sta. Rosa, San Pablo, Calamba, Batangas, Lipa, and Lucena.

For updates and announcements, visit www.smsupermalls.com or its Facebook page @smsupermalls.

PWDs, Elderly Trained in Disaster Preparedness and Survival

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in Marikina were enlightened on the proper response to calamities especially earthquakes and flooding during the Emergency Preparedness Forum 2019 held in SM City Marikina. An initiative of SM Supermalls through SM Cares, the annual event is aimed at supporting communities, especially the most vulnerable groups like the PWDs and the elderly, to become more resilient and better prepared in times of disasters.  DOST undersecretary, PHIVOLCS director and leading seismology expert Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. and Dr. Ted Esguerra (in photo), a member of numerous emergency preparedness and disaster response units around the globe, shared useful tips on disaster preparedness. To know more about SM Cares, please visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares, or email smcares@prime.com.