Have you ever wondered who to turn to in times of emergency in the Philippines? When every second counts, having the correct emergency hotline numbers at your fingertips can be lifesaving.
In this guide, we’ll cover the key emergency hotlines in the country, from medical aid to disaster response. Being prepared with these important numbers could make a critical difference when time matters most. Let’s explore the emergency contacts you need to stay safe and informed.
List of Emergency Hotline Numbers in the Philippines You Need to Know
911 Philippine National Emergency Hotline
The 911 hotline is by far the most important emergency number in the Philippines. It connects the caller to appropriate emergency services, such as medical assistance, the police, fire, and disaster assistance. This hotline is active in 24 hours.
Similar to other countries, 911 calls in the Philippines are directed to the nearest call center based on the caller’s location.
Phone number: 911
When to call: You should call this number quickly if you encounter emergencies that require urgent help, such as accidents, medical incidents, life-threatening conditions, or crimes.
PNP (Philippine National Police) Hotline
Another important phone number we should keep is the police hotline. The PNP ‘s duties include enforcing laws, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring public safety. They also assist in emergencies, manage disasters, handle traffic, and conduct anti-crime operations to create a safe environment for all citizens.
Phone number: 117, (02) 8722-0650
Text Hotline: +63 917 847 5757
When to call: To report crimes, illegal activities, traffic accidents, and other urgent law-enforcement assistance
AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The AFP, which consists of the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force, is responsible for safeguarding national security and defending the country against external and internal threats. It conducts military operations, protects territorial integrity, and supports peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. The AFP also assists in disaster solutions, supports national development, and ensures the country’s defense readiness.
Phone number: (02) 8911-6001, (02) 8527-3877
When to call: For emergencies and situations involving national security threats, military assistance, terrorism, and peacekeeping operations.
NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council)
The Philippines is prone to calamities and national disasters. There comes the NDRRMC as it develops policies to reduce disaster risks, ensures swift response during emergencies, and supports recovery. The NDRRMC also provides early warnings and works with agencies to enhance community resilience and coordinate disaster preparedness.
Phone number: (02) 8911-5061 to 65 local 100
When to call: Contact the NDRRMC hotline if you need to coordinate catastrophe readiness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery during natural calamities.
OCD (Office of Civil Defense)
Like the NDRRMC, the Office of Civil Defense coordinates disaster risk reduction and management efforts across the Philippines. It is crucial in disaster readiness by coordinating government agencies, communities, and international organizations. It also implements policies, conducts training, and oversees emergency operations to protect lives and property during natural or man-made calamities.
Phone number: (02) 8911-5061 to 64
When to call: Call the OCD if you havemajor emergencies in your community caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, and severe flooding.
PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) Hotline
PAGASA provides weather forecasting, flood warnings, and climate monitoring in the Philippines. It issues timely updates and early warnings for natural hazards, tracks typhoons, and conducts meteorological and astronomical research to protect lives and properties in the country.
Phone number: (02) 8284-0800
When to call: Contact the PAGASA hotline if you want to inquire about typhoon updates, flood advisories, or volcanic and earthquake warnings.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Hotline
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ensures maritime safety and security across the country. Its roles include conducting search and rescue operations, enforcing naval laws, and protecting the marine environment. The PCG also assists in disaster recovery effort, manages sea traffic, and supports national security through naval patrols.
Phone number: (02) 8527-8481 to 89, (02) 8527-3877
When to call: The Philippine Coast Guard is ready to help with maritime search and rescue operations, ocean accidents, tsunami warnings, and protecting our coastal jurisdiction.
BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) Hotline
You must save this number among your contacts in case of fire. The BFP responds to fire emergencies, conducts fire safety inspections, and educates the public about fire prevention. The BFP also manages crisis management operations and assists in rescue efforts.
Phone number: (02) 8426-0219, (02) 8426-0246
When to call: To report fire emergencies and related fire rescue operations.
DOH (Department of Health) Emergency Numbers
We can rely on the DOH in times of pandemic and health matters. The Department of Health (DOH) manages public health policies and services. It focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, and ensuring healthcare quality. It also coordinates responses to health emergencies, supports medical research, and provides training to enhance overall health and wellness in the country.
Phone number: (02) 8771-1001 to 02, (02) 8740-5030
When to call: If you have an urgent medical emergency or want to report a possible disease outbreak
DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)
The DSWD is responsible for promoting social welfare and protecting the rights of vulnerable communities. Its duties include assisting those in poverty, managing social protection programs, offering disaster relief, and ensuring the well-being of children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Phone number: (02) 8931-8101 to 07
Text hotline: +63 918 912 2813
When to call: Call DSWD if you need immediate assistance in your community or if you need assistance from social services during calamities and disasters.
Philippine Red Cross
The Philippine Red Cross provides humanitarian aid and emergency assistance nationwide, including disaster response, health services, emergency relief, education, and first aid and disaster preparedness training.
Phone Number: 143 / (02) 8527-8385 to 95
When to call: For large-scale emergencies, medical assistance, blood donation drives and other catastrophe management services.
DA (Department of Agriculture)
Save this number if you are an entrepreneur in farming, food supply, livestock, or agribusiness. You can count on the Department of Agriculture as it promotes agricultural growth and ensures food security. Likewise, it develops policies and programs to boost crop production and improve livestock and fisheries. The DA also supports farmers and rural communities to ensure enough and affordable food for the population.
Phone number: 8888 /(02) 8928-8741 to 64
When to call: If you need urgent assistance or have an agriculture and food supply emergency.
DND (Department of National Defense)
This is also an important contact number because having quick access to the DND ensures timely coordination and response in times of crisis, such as natural disasters, external threats, or military concerns. The DND is responsible for maintaining national security and ensuring the country’s defense. It also implements catastrophe relief, peacekeeping efforts, and ensuring public safety through national defense policies and strategies.
Phone number: (02) 8982-5600
When to call: If you want to report potential threats, seek assistance during crises, or receive guidance in situations requiring military or defense support.
DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways)
We can’t move from one place to another without roads, bridges, and infrastructure. Thus, having the DPWH numbers on our phones is very reliable. The DPWH ensures the development of safe, efficient, and resilient infrastructure to support national growth and improve public access. It’s responsible for the construction of protective structures and the rehabilitation of damaged facilities after calamities.
Phone number: 9-16502
When to call: If you encounter road emergencies or want to report significant infrastructure damages, you can contact the DPWH.
DOTr (Department of Transportation)
Aside from the DPWH, there comes the DOTr (Department of Transportation. It’s specifically responsible for overseeing and regulating the nation’s transportation systems. It implements land, air, and sea transportation policies, improving infrastructure and ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable transport services.
Phone number: +63 920 964 3687
When to call: If you have transportation emergencies or problems on land, air, or sea, you can seek the assistance of the DOTr.
LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board)
If you drive, own a vehicle, or commute, you must keep the LTFRB hotline on your phonebook. The LTFRB regulates and supervises public land transportation services. Its duties include issuing and managing public utility vehicles (PUVs) franchises, setting fare rates, and ensuring compliance with transportation laws and regulations. It addresses complaints, promotes safety and efficiency in public transport, and implements policies to improve service quality for commuters.
Phone number: 1342 / (02) 8529-7100, (02) 8529-7111, LOC. 815
When to call: If you need immediate help with public transport, you can contact their numbers.
MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority)
If you’re always in the Metro area, you can also keep the MMDA hotline. It oversees traffic management, implements flood control measures, and coordinates disaster response within the metropolitan area. The MMDA also handles urban planning, public transportation improvements, and environmental protection initiatives to enhance the quality of life in Metro Manila.
Phone number: 136, (02) 8882-4151 to 77
Local 337 (rescue)
Local 1096 (Metrobase)
Local 1135 (Road Safety)
Local 1168 (Public Safety)
Local 1169 (Public Emergency)
Local 1162/1163 (Flood Control)
Local 1070 (Anti-jaywalking)
When to call: If you want to report traffic problems, road accidents, or flood disaster emergencies within Metro Manila,
Expressway Hotlines in the Philippines
Keeping expressway hotlines handy is important to ensure that you can manage unexpected situations efficiently and stay informed about expressway conditions.
NLEX (North Luzon Expressway): 1-35000
SLEX (South Luzon Expressway): +63 917 687 7539 / +63 949 888 0715
Skyway: +63 917 539-8762 / (632) 5318-8655
SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway): 1-35000
TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway): +63 917 888 0715
CAVITEX (Manila-Cavite Expressway): 1-35000
CALAX (Cavite-Laguna Expressway): 1-35000
CCLEX (Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway): 1-35000
C5 Link Expressway: 1-35000
MCX (Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway): (632) 7795-1629
STAR Tollway: +63 917 511 7827 / +63 43 756 7870
Now that you know who to call urgently, share this list of emergency hotline numbers in the Philippines with your loved ones.
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