DILG: Mental health response included in 911 hotline soon

MANILA, Philippines — The unified 911 emergency system can be a helpline for people with mental health problems, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced yesterday.

Remulla said the emergency hotline, which is up for launching in August or September, would have a helpdesk manned by trained professionals from the National Center for Mental Health.

“We have counselors who can help people, especially the youth, needing psychosocial support,” he said.

Remulla gave the remark following the death of a De la Salle University law student.

Citing police investigation, Remulla has ruled out foul play in the death of Anthony Granada, whose remains were found in a vacant lot in Naic, Cavite last week.

Granada was last seen on June 8 and was reported missing after a week.

According to Remulla, one desk in the 911 command center will be designated for mental health intervention.

“Out of 50,000 calls per day, maybe two percent of the calls are about mental health,” he said.

Apart from mental health-related concerns, Remulla said the 911 system would accept reports on crime, health emergencies, fire incidents and suspicious activities.

To boost the capabilities of first responders, Remulla said the Department of the Interior and Local Government will invest in communication equipment, police vehicles and fire trucks.