Taguig 911 Incident Prompts DILG to Take Action and Strengthen Emergency Response
911 – An alleged delay in responding to a stroke emergency in Taguig has prompted the DILG to examine gaps in the country’s Unified 911 system.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has pledged to improve the country’s Unified 911 emergency response system following an incident involving an alleged delay in assisting a stroke patient in Taguig City.
The incident involved a relative of Basty Askri, who reportedly sought emergency assistance for a man experiencing a stroke. The patient was eventually brought to a hospital but later died.
DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando Puno expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and acknowledged the shortcomings identified in the response.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Askri. We are deeply sorry for your loss,” said DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando Puno said.
Puno also emphasized the agency’s responsibility to address any weaknesses discovered during the investigation and improve emergency services for the public.
“DILG takes full responsibility for every gap we find, and we will find them. That is the commitment we are making today, not just to the Askri family, but to every Filipino who picks up the phone and dials 911,” he added.
According to the investigation, a local response team was sent to the area but encountered difficulties in identifying the patient’s precise location. Authorities reportedly attempted to contact the caller for additional directions, but the communication could not be established.
“There was an attempt to call and ask for additional directions, but unfortunately, we were unable to establish contact. The exact dispatch time, attempted calls again, movement of the response vehicle, and arrival time remain subjects for verification,” DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Jed Mabilog said.
Mabilog explained that investigators later discovered the street had another name that could have provided responders with a more accurate location and potentially helped shorten the time needed to reach the residence.
He also clarified the type of vehicles involved in the response. According to Mabilog, the units were PTVs, or patient transport vehicles, which are mainly designed to bring patients to medical facilities. They should not automatically be classified as basic or advanced life support ambulances.
The clarification is significant because questions were raised about whether the responding vehicles had CPR equipment, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen, resuscitation tools, and other medical resources typically associated with fully equipped ambulances.
The DILG said the incident highlights the need to identify weaknesses and strengthen the Unified 911 system to provide faster and more effective emergency assistance to Filipinos.
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