Latest news with #DepartmentoftheInteriorandLocalGovernment
GMA Network
14-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DILG to buy patrol vehicles for PNP's '5-minute response' policy
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will shoulder the purchase of patrol vehicles to improve police mobility and visibility, as it expressed its full support of the Five-Minute Response Time Strategy. This was announced by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the PNP Command Conference held Friday at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, the PNP said in a statement. Police Regional Offices also presented their operational plans in response to the directive of PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III to execute reforms leading to reshaping frontline policing. Meanwhile, Police Major General Anthony Aberin, National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director, bared a comprehensive plan which includes the full implementation of the 5-minute response strategy, the increase of logistical readiness, regular training for personnel, and the conduct of simulation (SIMEX), communication (COMEX), and capability (CAPEX) exercises. As part of the transition to a fully mobile police force, Aberin also underscored the eight hours duty per shift to ensure constant operational presence, the intensification of Red Team operations, and the deactivation of Police Community Precincts (PCPs), substations, and police boxes. According to the PNP, the 5-Minute Response Time Strategy serves as a major departure from traditional precinct-based policing, making the police presence a more mobile, proactive, and people-centered approach. The program shall also ensure that calls for help are answered swiftly, professionally, and at any hour. 'This transformation goes beyond patrol deployment. It's about rebuilding trust through swift action, professionalism, and accountability—while remaining firmly anchored on the rule of law, human rights, and due process,' Torre said. Torre also called for the agency to enhance its internal communication, particularly among station commanders, underscoring that seamless coordination saves people's lives. The Kalasag 911—the PNP's integrated support system for the national 911 emergency response program — was also highlighted during the event. The state-of-the-art facility integrates real-time data, geolocation tracking, and inter-agency coordination to ensure that the 5-minute response goal becomes a reality across the country. —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Unified 911 national emergency hotline to be launched in July
The government is set to launch the national emergency hotline in July in line with its efforts to boost security across the country, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. said over the weekend. According to Marcos, the Unified 911 Emergency System is expected to go live next month, initially in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Ilocos Region, and Central Visayas. 'Sinisimulan natin ang pagde-deploy ng mas maraming pulis o 'yung tinatawag nating 'Cops on the Beat',' he said in his vlog uploaded on Sunday. 'Ginagawa na rin itong emergency hotline natin at sigurado ako in just a few weeks, baka sa Hulyo pwede na, ay ma-launch na namin ito,' he added. (We have started deploying more cops under what we call 'Cops on the Beat.' We are also doing the emergency hotline which I am sure in just a few weeks, maybe in July, we could already launch this.) The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in a separate statement, said the emergency hotline uses 'cutting-edge technology' to ensure quick response from frontline units such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) while screening nuisance calls. Newly installed PNP chief Nicolas Torre III last week said the police force is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to implement its 'five-minute emergency response' policy goal. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
30-05-2025
- GMA Network
Detained Russian vlogger asks DILG chief Remulla to drop charges
Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, currently detained for harassing Filipinos in public for content, has asked Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to drop the charges against him, citing mental health concerns. According to Jun Veneracion's report in '24 Oras' on Friday, Remulla said he received a letter from the Russian detainee. 'Sumulat sa akin na he is suffering from mental health issues daw,' Remulla said. 'Kung puwede i-drop na 'yung mga kaso, humihingi siya ng patawad.' (He wrote to me that he is allegedly suffering from mental health issues…asking if the charges filed against him could be dropped, and he also asked for forgiveness.) But Remulla maintained that Zdorovetskiy's actions should never go unpunished. He further stated that charges of unjust vexation against Zdorovetskiy for harassing three security guards will be filed in court next week. Earlier, the Taguig Prosecutor's Office had dismissed the theft charges but found 'sufficient evidence on record to establish a reasonable certainty of conviction for the crime of unjust vexation.' Remulla also said that Zdorovetskiy's legal team attempted to reach a settlement with the security guards. 'Mabuti na lang, 'yung mga security guards ay matibay ang loob. Hindi bumigay at itutuloy natin ang kaso,' he said. (Good thing our security guards stood firm. They did not fall for it and will continue with the case.) GMA Integrated News is trying to reach out to the legal team of the Russian vlogger. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
17-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DILG tells LGUs to adopt cashless transactions for government payments
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday asked local government units to use the electronic payment and collection systems (EPCS) as an alternative to cash transactions. The department said this is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s push for digital transformation in government. The DILG, in a memorandum circular, said LGUs may implement EPCS in collecting local taxes, fees, and other charges, in accordance with Executive Order No. 170, s. 2022 regarding the use of digital payments for government transactions. Digital payments improve transparency, efficiency, and public convenience, the DILG said in a press release. "LGUs are encouraged to offer secure, accessible digital options, ensure payment channels are user-friendly, and partner with authorized providers, including government servicing banks," it added. The DILG said efforts must be made to align with the National Retail Payment System Framework and the Data Privacy Act. The department also tasked LGUs to set clear procedures for the issuance of electronic invoices and billing notices in accordance with guidelines from the Commission on Audit and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The DILG however clarified that LGUs must still accept cash and other traditional modes of payment in addition to electronic payments. It also encouraged LGUs to pass ordinances and local policies to support the full implementation of the acceptance of electronic payments. —KG, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Vice Ganda backs Abalos for Senate: ‘Kesa naman yung mga walang kwenta ang pumasok sa top 12'
Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda has openly expressed support for former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Atty. Benhur Abalos in his bid for the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections. The endorsement was made through a short video posted on social media, where the text read: 'Kesa naman yung mga walang kwenta ang pumasok sa Top 12. Dito na 'ko! #1 Abalos, Benhur.' Known for her sharp commentary and massive following, Vice Ganda have long emphasized the importance of electing public officials who have a clear track record and genuine concern for the Filipino people. In several statements, Atty. Abalos has laid out his legislative priorities, which include fast-tracking digital government services for OFWs, implementing affordable housing programs, providing stronger support for farmers, and removing the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity to help lower household bills. Vice Ganda has long been vocal about her political views, having supported Leni Robredo in the 2022 presidential elections. Robredo, for her part, has also expressed support for Atty. Abalos' Senate run, citing his consistent assistance to her hometown, Naga City.
