Remembering key emergency hotline numbers can make a difference between life and death when driving on the open roads. Knowing these numbers will allow you to quickly get assistance in case of accidents, medical emergencies, or fire incidents, significantly reducing the response times and potentially saving lives.
Consequently, not knowing these emergency hotline numbers can lead to delayed assistance, increased danger, and potentially worsened outcomes especially in critical situations when immediate access to efficient and effective help is necessary. By being prepared with this list of emergency hotline numbers, you enhance your safety and the safety of others on the road, ensuring a smoother and more secure driving experience.
List of Emergency Hotline Numbers in the Philippines
When you’re on the road, emergencies can arise at any moment. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a traffic accident, or a health crisis, knowing the right numbers to call can make the difference between life and death. Here is a comprehensive list of emergency hotline numbers in the Philippines that you should remember when on the road.
Philippine National Emergency Hotline
The 911 hotline is the primary emergency number in the Philippines. Introduced in 2016 to replace the old 117 emergency hotline, this number connects the caller to a variety of emergency services, including the police, fire, and medical assistance. This hotline service is available 24/7 nationwide, with calls routed to the nearest of the sixteen call centers based on the caller’s location.
When to Call: For any emergency requiring immediate assistance, such as accidents, medical crises, or criminal activities.
Hotline Number: 9-911
MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority)
The MMDA is a government agency dedicated to transforming Metropolitan Manila into a humane, world-class metropolis by offering services like development planning, traffic management, waste disposal, flood control, urban renewal, and public safety. It also coordinates and regulates metro-wide programs, sets traffic policies, and enforces traffic laws, in a bid to make Metro Manila a major business hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
When to Call: For traffic management issues, road accidents, and flood-related emergencies within Metro Manila.
Hotline Number: 136, (02) 8882-4151 to 77
OCD (Office of Civil Defense)
The OCD administers the national civil defense and disaster risk reduction and management program. It leads in developing strategies and measures to reduce vulnerabilities and manage disaster consequences as the implementing arm of the NDRRMC.
When to Call: For large-scale emergencies and disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, and floods.
Hotline Number: (02) 8911-5061 to 64
PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration)
PAGASA is the country’s National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS). Established on December 8, 1972, through Presidential Decree No. 78, PAGASA provides weather forecasts, tropical cyclone warnings, and flood advisories as well as other hydrological, climatological, and farm weather forecasts, and other meteorological services.
When to Call: For weather updates, flood warnings, and typhoon advisories.
Hotline Number: (02) 8284-0800
DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)
The DSWD implements social welfare programs to aid in the development of individuals and communities. Originally emerging from various groups’ efforts during the American occupation, it evolved into a state function by the end of World War II and has since focused on improving the quality of life for Filipinos by providing services like healthcare assistance, food stamps, and disaster relief as well as social protection programs and emergency assistance to individuals and communities in need.
When to Call: For emergency assistance and social services during disasters and crises.
Hotline Number: (02) 8931-8101
NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council)
The NDRRMC advises the President on disaster preparedness, operations, and rehabilitation efforts by both government and private sectors, focusing primarily on four priority areas: disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery. It coordinates and oversees all disaster management initiatives nationwide, including disaster preparedness and response efforts, and resources allocation.
When to Call: For disaster response coordination and emergency management during national calamities.
Hotline Number: (02) 8911-1406
DND (Department of National Defense)
The DND safeguards the country against both external and internal threats to national peace and security while supporting social and economic development. It oversees the national defense, maintains law and order, and performs additional duties geared towards national security, defense, and disaster response.
When to Call: For emergencies requiring military assistance, such as large-scale natural disasters and national security threats.
Hotline Number: (02) 8982-5600
PCG (Philippine Coast Guard)
The PCG is a uniformed armed service tasked with maritime search and rescue, law enforcement, safety, environmental protection, and security. They also handle the task of a sea guardian like saving lives, keeping maritime transport safe, maintaining cleaner seas, and securing maritime jurisdiction, search and rescue operations, and marine environmental protection, in order to support national security and the economic development of the Philippines.
When to Call: For maritime emergencies, such as sea accidents and coastal incidents.
Hotline Number: (02) 8527-8482, (02) 8527-3877
PNP (Philippine National Police)
The PNP is yet another uniformed law enforcement agency dedicated to public security and tasked with maintaining peace and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and enforcing laws. They provide police services to protect lives and property, uphold the rule of law, prevent crimes, and foster cooperation and trust between the police and the public throughout the country.
When to Call: For crimes, traffic accidents, and other law enforcement-related emergencies.
Hotline Number: 9-117, (02) 8723-0401, (02) 8537-4500
DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways)
The DPWH plans, designs, constructs, and maintains public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings. They are the ones who make sure that public transportation and infrastructure are safe, efficient, and reliable, while also playing a role in disaster risk management and infrastructure resilience.
When to Call: For road-related emergencies, such as infrastructure damage and maintenance issues.
Hotline Number: 9-16502
AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The AFP is a military organization responsible for defending the country against external and internal threats. It encompasses the Army, Navy, and Air Force, performing duties such as national defense, disaster response and rescue, peacekeeping missions, and internal security, while also combating terrorism and insurgency.
When to Call: For emergencies requiring military intervention, such as large-scale disasters and security threats.
Hotline Number: (02) 8911-6001, (02) 8527-3877
BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection)
The BFP is a government agency tasked with preventing and suppressing all destructive fires. They conduct fire prevention and suppression campaigns, enforce fire safety laws, and respond to fire incidents, rescue operations, and other emergencies as emergency medical services free of charge.
When to Call: For fire emergencies and rescue operations.
Hotline Number: (02) 8426-0219, (02) 8790-8400
DOTr (Department of Transportation)
The DOTr oversees transportation infrastructure and services, ensuring safe and efficient transport systems to maintain a safe, secure, and efficient transportation system nationwide. Its scope of service covers various modes of transportation, including land, air, and sea, to promote economic development and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos.
When to Call: For transportation-related emergencies and issues, such as road safety and public transportation incidents.
Hotline Number: 7890, (02) 8654-8400, LOC. 362
DA (Department of Agriculture)
The DA, as the principal agency in charge of agricultural development, oversees the planning, execution, and regulation of programs related to agriculture, food production, and supply, while also monitoring their progress, providing policy guidance, public investment, and support services for both local and export-oriented agricultural enterprises. It mainly focuses on rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, and organic agriculture, with the goal of enhancing food security, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable growth by boosting farm income and productivity.
When to Call: For emergencies affecting agricultural areas and food supply.
Hotline Number: (02) 8929-0140, LOC. 401 / 402
DOH (Department of Health)
The Department of Health (DOH) is the primary authority on health matters, responsible for national health policies and regulations, and in the provision of overarching technical guidance, formulating national plans, standards, and guidelines for health. It basically provides public health services and responds to health emergencies and outbreaks.
When to Call: For health-related emergencies, including disease outbreaks and medical crises.
Hotline Number: (02) 8771-1001 to 02, (02) 8740-5030
LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board)
The LTFRB is a regulatory agency and an attached agency of the DOTr responsible for rationalizing, regulating, and supervising all motorized land-based public transportation services in the country. It was established to sustain legitimate, safe, convenient, and dependable public transport services at reasonable fares by regulating routes, permits, and fares, with the help of 13 Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices (RFROs) across the country.
When to Call: For issues related to public transportation services and regulations.
Hotline Number: 9-1342, (02) 8529-7100, (02) 8529-7111, LOC. 815
Expressway Hotlines
The different expressway management companies also provide their own assistance when it comes to emergencies on specific toll roads and highways. They also make sure their lines are manned for when people call to report accidents, incidents, and eme incidents, toll issues, and emergency services on expressways.
Hotline Number: Contact the specific expressway management via their hotline number:
- North Luzon Expressway (NLEX): 1-35000
- Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway: 1-35000
- Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX): (+63917) 888-0715
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX): (+63917) 687-7539 / (+6349) 508-7539
- Skyway: (+63917) 539-8762 / (+632) 5318-8655
- Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX): (+632) 7795-1629
- STAR Tollway: (+63917) 511-7827 / (+6343) 756-7870
- Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX): 1-35000
- Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX): 1-35000
- C5 Link Expressway: 1-35000
- Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX): 1-35000
AAP (Automobile Association Philippines)
The AAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of motorists in the Philippines. It offers various services, including road safety lectures and seminars, with its most popular being a 24/7 roadside assistance service. With their team of mechanics, the AAP can assist those with issues such as dead batteries, flat tires, fuel provision, and towing within designated service areas. The catch: This service is not free. You need to buy a membership which will set you back by approximately Php 2,000 for a one-year regular individual membership and around Php 600 for motorcycles.
When to Call: The AAP is designed for roadside assistance including issues like a dead battery, flat tire, fuel shortage, or if you need towing services.
Hotline Number: +63 2 7753 9800
Each of these agencies and departments play a role in maintaining public safety and managing emergencies, so make sure you have them on hand at all times.
Video: Is AAP Worth The Cost?
If you want to learn more or understand whether the membership fees paid to the AAP is worth the fees they are collecting, then let this video from Ano Ga tell you:
Summary
Keeping these emergency hotline numbers handy can significantly improve your response time during road emergencies. Whether it’s a traffic accident, a natural disaster, or a health crisis, knowing who to call can make all the difference. Stay safe and be prepared by familiarizing yourself with these critical numbers.