Negros Oriental, Siquijor make 911 their emergency go-to

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region has expanded the SAFE NIR Dial 911 program in Negros Oriental and Siquijor, completing the regional rollout of a unified emergency response system.

The program was launched jointly Thursday at the Plenary Hall of the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City to provide faster, more responsive, and community-centered emergency services across the region.

Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting regional director of PRO-NIR, led the launch with Police Col. Timmar Alam, director of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, and Police Col. Mark Anthony Andrade, director of the Siquijor Police Provincial Office.

Local government officials, led by Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, also attended the event.

Cardiño said the program is more than a hotline or communication platform.

He said it represents a firm commitment that every Negrense can rely on during emergencies.

He also emphasized that every emergency call represents a human story requiring immediate attention and a compassionate response.

Cardiño said SAFE NIR sets a policing standard defined by being seen through proactive presence, appreciated through integrity and professionalism, felt through swift response, and extraordinary through dedicated service beyond expectations.

He said the program serves as a vital bridge between the police and the community by strengthening response capability, enhancing public trust, and encouraging close cooperation among government agencies and residents.

The simultaneous rollout in Negros Oriental and Siquijor followed the earlier launches of the program under the Bacolod City Police Office and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.

PRO-NIR said the rollout completed the program’s regional activation and established a unified and integrated emergency response system designed to ensure immediate coordination, rapid response, and better access to police assistance at the community level.

The national 911 hotline was institutionalized as the Philippines’ nationwide emergency hotline under Executive Order No. 56, replacing 117.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government later announced the rollout of Unified 911 nationwide to streamline public access to emergency services.