The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to expand the government’s 911 emergency hotline with the addition of a dedicated helpline for mental health support. The move aims to provide Filipinos experiencing emotional distress with direct access to counselors and professionals who can offer immediate help.
PNP chief Nicolas Torre III said the initiative responds to the alarming rise of suicide cases in the country, noting that from January to June 2025 alone, nearly 2,000 Filipinos took their own lives, about 10 to 11 people every day. Helpline 4 will be added to the 911 system to specifically cater to mental health concerns.
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Dedicated Support for Mental Health
Currently, 911 covers three main services: press 1 for police, 2 for fire, and 3 for medical emergencies. Torre explained that the fourth option will now serve those who feel emotionally burdened and in need of “connection.” Calls will be received by operators trained to refer distress cases to mental health experts, volunteer counselors, and professionals capable of offering guidance and listening support.
“The helpline will be for those who badly need connection,” Torre emphasized, pointing out how untreated mental health problems can escalate to suicide.
In addition, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed that the expanded Unified 911 Emergency System will soon integrate mental health desks within its command centers. These will be staffed with trained specialists from the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) to provide psychosocial intervention.
Nationwide Rollout Planned
Interior Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the new system is targeted for a nationwide rollout by August or September this year. He assured that advanced technology and improved dispatch hubs will be used to ensure efficient response to all emergency calls, including those relating to mental health.
“We have counselors, so if our youth are feeling distress, or if you feel you are in distress, you can call and someone will respond,” Remulla expressed in Filipino.
Remulla added that the system has the capacity to process around 50,000 calls daily, estimating that about two percent would be mental health-related. To support the program’s continuity, the DILG is also investing in new communication equipment, police vehicles, and fire trucks to further reduce emergency response times.
He assured the public that the emergency hotline is now institutionalized, saying, “It’s a continuing investment, so you can’t say it is only for a year. It’s a 10-year investment plan.”
With the addition of the mental health helpline, the PNP and DILG hope to address a growing public health concern and ensure that Filipinos in crisis know that help is just one call away.
