Over 5000 VAWC Cases Reported Through 911 in One Year
VAWC – More than 300 Violence Against Women and their Children cases are now being reported monthly through the Unified 911 hotline, signaling a growing call for help nationwide.
The Unified 911 hotline is now receiving more than 300 Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC)-related calls every month, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
In a statement released on Friday, February 28, the agency reported that it has recorded between 300 and 500 VAWC-related calls monthly. In total, more than 5,000 VAWC-related calls were received throughout 2025 alone.
Since the launch of the Unified 911 hotline in September 2025, the DILG said it has been able to focus more closely on VAWC-related concerns and ensure that these cases are addressed promptly.
“Observing the calls, especially dito sa VAWC-related, ngayon, talagang mas dumami ang tumatawag sa VAWC-related cases, so mas namo-monitor at mas naaaksyonan natin ngayon dahil dito sa bagong unified [hotline] natin,” said Emergency 911 National Office executive director Francis Fajardo.
He added that from an efficiency rate of 40% before the modernization of the 911 system, call efficiency rose to 98% in the last quarter of 2025.
The DILG also emphasized that all reports are treated as confidential and are immediately processed by trained emergency telecommunicators.
The agency explained that cases involving non-physical abuse or those requiring community-level intervention are promptly referred to the Barangay VAW Desk for proper documentation and appropriate action.
A feedback mechanism is likewise in place to ensure that callers receive updates regarding their reports.
“Under the Unified 911 system, trained emergency telecommunicators immediately assess the nature and urgency of each VAWC-related call. Cases involving non-physical abuse or those requiring community-level mediation are promptly referred to the Barangay VAW Desk for documentation, intervention, and appropriate action. A feedback mechanism is in place to ensure callers receive updates and that concerned offices act on the reports,” the agency explained.
Meanwhile, incidents involving physical abuse or imminent danger are escalated to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for immediate intervention. Authorities dispatch police personnel to secure the victim’s safety and initiate appropriate legal action.
“Incidents involving physical abuse or imminent danger are escalated without delay to the Philippine National Police for immediate intervention. Police officers are dispatched to secure the victim’s safety and initiate legal action against the respondent, whether a spouse, live-in partner, or other offender,” the DILG said.
At present, 40,886 barangays nationwide have established Barangay Violence Against Women and Anti-Sexual Harassment Desks with trained officers ready to assist victims and survivors. These desks handle documentation, provide health, legal, and psychosocial referrals, and issue Barangay Protection Orders.
The DILG urged victims of gender-based violence and sexual harassment not to hesitate to approach their nearest Barangay VAW or Anti-Sexual Harassment desks or call the Unified 911 hotline for immediate assistance.
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