LGUS ASKED: Penalize prank 911 callers

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla calls on all local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances that penalize prank callers with fines or imprisonment after finding out that over 60% of the nearly 12 million calls received by the country's emergency hotline in 2024 were identified as fraudulent or prank calls.

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"Dapat may ordinance ang lahat ng LGUs na may monetary fine, jail time basta prank call," Remulla stressed during a 911 simulation exercise at Camp Crame, Quezon City, underscoring the urgency of enforcing real consequences for disruptive behaviors that hinder emergency response.

While Presidential Decree No. 1727 already sanctions individuals who maliciously spread false information could face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to P40,000, or both, Remulla emphasized the need for LGU-specific ordinances to ensure swift accountability at the local level.