The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order (EO) No. 56, Series of 2018

September 25, 2018

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 56 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS INSTITUTIONALIZING THE EMERGENCY 911 HOTLINE AS THE NATIONWIDE EMERGENCY ANSWERING POINT, REPLACING PATROL 117, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

By virtue of Section 11 of Executive Order (EO) No. 56, dated 25 May 2018, pursuant to the authority granted to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) with the assistance of the other members of the Emergency 911 Commission, the following Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are hereby prescribed and promulgated:

RULE I

General Provisions

SECTION 1. Title.— These Rules shall be known as "The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order (EO) No. 56, Series of 2018."

SECTION 2. Interpretation. — The Rules shall be liberally construed in order to promote and attain the objectives of EO No. 56 of improving public safety services and existing peace and order and public safety mechanisms.

SECTION 3. Institutionalizing 911 as the Nationwide Emergency Hotline Number.— The number "911" is institutionalized, replacing the number "117," as the Nationwide Emergency Hotline Number.

RULE II

Definition of Terms

SECTION 1. Definition of Terms.— For purposes of these Rules, the following definition of terms are hereby adopted:

(a) "Accreditation" refers to the process of granting authority to operate as major support service responder.

(b) "Emergency" refers to unforeseen or sudden occurrence that poses injury, loss of life, damage to the property, and/or interference with the normal activities of a person, demanding immediate action or response.

(c) "Emergency 911 National Program" refers to the program consisting of the following: the Emergency 911 National Hotline Public Safety Answering Center or the National Call Center, the Primary Service Responders, and the Major Support Service Responders, with the participation of existing private communication carriers and telecommunications companies.

(d) "Emergency Call" refers to any call for help by a person who seeks immediate assistance.

(e) "Fraudulent or Hoax or Prank Reports" refers to knowingly giving false information to the 911 Call Center Agents.

(f) "911 Local Call Centers" (LCCs) refers to 911 call centers that are duly established by the LGUs after compliance to the requirements set forth by the Commission for its interconnection. It is operated, manned and provided for logistically by the local government unit concerned.

(g) "Major Support Service Responders" refers to government agencies and institutions, including accredited NGOs, hospital and medical institutions and facilities, public safety volunteers, and such other institutions and facilities that will provide appropriate and necessary assistance and support to the Emergency 911 National Program. CAIHTE

(h) "National Call Center" (NCC) refers to the Emergency 911 National Hotline Public Safety Answering Center.

(i) "Primary Service Responders" refers to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

(j) "Private Sector" refers to organizations, assembled for profit or otherwise, that works to improve society and human condition which include but are not limited to civic organizations, cooperatives, volunteers, professionals, and business groups, not owned or operated by the government.

(k) "Response" refers to the assistance or intervention made by any of the Primary Service Providers or Major Support Service Providers during emergency situations.

RULE III

The Emergency 911 Commission

SECTION 1. Functions.— The Emergency 911 Commission shall serve as the policy-making body and overseer of the Emergency 911 National Program, with the following specific functions:

(a) Provide policy direction and formulate necessary guidelines in the implementation and supervision of the Emergency 911 National Program;

(b) Prepare and recommend to the President, through the Executive Secretary, policies, measures, thrusts, and solutions that are responsive to crime prevention, and public order and safety issues;

(c) Approve the accreditation of qualified NGOs, ambulance service providers, hospital, and medical institutions and facilities, and other civic sector institutions, facilities, and volunteers upon prior review and recommendation of the Emergency 911 National Office;

(d) Establish Emergency 911 Regional Offices, upon deliberation and determination of its necessity, for the effective implementation of EO No. 56;

(e) Establish other relevant communications channels (e.g.,short messaging service, online platform and social media) to be integrated and/or interconnected with the National Call Center;

(f) Create committees and other mechanisms to facilitate and expedite the implementation of policies, programs, and plans of the Commission;

(g) Approve the proposed annual budget prepared by the Emergency 911 National Office. The approved budget shall be endorsed to the DILG for incorporation on its budget proposal;

(h) Submit to the President, through the Executive Secretary, a semi-annual report on the implementation of EO No. 56;

(i) Encourage and facilitate the prompt deployment of a seamless nationwide communication infrastructure for emergency services; and

(j) Perform such other duties and functions as the President may direct.

SECTION 2. Composition.— The Commission shall be composed of the following members:

(a) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary — Chairperson;

(b) Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary — Vice-Chairperson;

(c) Representatives of the following government agencies and organizations, with a rank not lower than Director IV or its equivalent, as members:

1. Office of the President;

2. Department of Justice (DOJ);

3. Department of National Defense (DND);

4. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);

5. Department of Health (DOH);

6. Department of Transportation (DOTr);

7. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO);

8. Philippine National Police (PNP);

9. National Telecommunications Commission (NTC);

10. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP);and

11. Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

(d) President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP);and

(e) Two (2) members from the Private Sector — to be selected by the Chairperson, upon prior deliberation and recommendation of the Emergency 911 Commission.

SECTION 3. Qualifications of the Two (2) Members from the Private Sector.— The following shall be the minimum qualifications for the selection of the two (2) members from the private sector:

(a) The organization must be nominated by a member of the Emergency 911 Commission;

(b) The organization must be registered for at least two (2) years with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or by other appropriate government body or institution; and

(c) The organization must have a track record and advocacy in emergency and disaster response such as, but not limited to, public safety and security, crime prevention, emergency medical services, search and rescue services.

The representative of the organization must have the following qualifications:

(a) Duly authorized by the Head of Organization as representative;

(b) Shall possess proven integrity and probity;

(c) Shall not have been charged or convicted by final judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment for a period exceeding six (6) years.

SECTION 4. Term of Membership of Private Sector.—

Member/s from the private sector shall serve for a term of two (2) years in the Commission, subject to renewal upon deliberation and subsequent recommendation of the other members, and approval of the Chairperson. Its membership in the Commission may be terminated for valid grounds and/or for violation of this IRR.

In case of expiration of term, resignation or termination of membership of the Private Sector in the Commission, the Chairperson shall select from the list of qualified Private Sectors nominated and deliberated by the members of the Emergency 911 Commission in a regular or special meeting called for that purpose. The member so selected shall serve a fresh period of two (2) years, except in case where the vacancy is by reason of termination, the selected member shall only serve the unexpired term of its predecessor.

SECTION 5. Grounds for Termination of Membership of Private Sector.— The following are considered valid grounds for termination of membership:

(a) Revocation, expiration, and/or non-renewal of registration, and/or failure to comply with the other requirements as stipulated in Rule III, Section 3 of this IRR;

(b) Failure to attend two (2) consecutive regular meetings, three (3) special meetings, or a total of five (5) meetings whether regular or special, within a period of one (1) year, without valid or just cause;

(c) Upon motion of one (1) member of the Commission stating his/her cause, with the concurrence of the majority of all members of the Commission after deliberation, and approval of the Chairperson.

SECTION 6. Regular Meeting. — Members of the Commission shall convene at least once in every quarter to discuss, formulate, and deliberate policies and guidelines and any other relevant matters necessary for the attainment of the objectives of EO No. 56.

A special meeting may be called upon by the Chairperson, or upon request of at least five (5) members thereof.

In case of the absence of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, the members present and constituting a quorum shall elect among themselves a temporary presiding officer.

SECTION 7. Quorum.— A majority of all the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum to transact official business. DETACa

RULE IV

Emergency 911 National Office

SECTION 1. Functions.— The Emergency 911 National Office shall serve as the primary implementing office of the Emergency 911 National Program, with the following specific functions:

(a) Act as Secretariat of the Emergency 911 Commission;

(b) Serve as the implementing arm of the Emergency 911 Commission in carrying out the objectives of EO No. 56;

(c) Institutionalize localized networks of service responders upon the direction of the Emergency 911 Commission;

(d) Recommend to the Commission the establishment of Emergency 911 Regional Office;

(e) Conduct reviews and readiness tests, and monitor and evaluate the response capabilities of various aspects of the Emergency 911 National Program;

(f) Develop and implement training programs for emergency communications personnel and responders;

(g) Process and annually review accreditation of the NGOs, hospital and medical institutions and facilities, and other civic sector institutions, facilities, and volunteers in line with the objectives of EO No. 56;

(h) Prepare a draft of the semi-annual report on the implementation of the EO No. 56, for the approval of the Commission;

(i) Prepare a draft of the annual budget for approval of the Commission and its subsequent incorporation to the budget proposal of the DILG;

(j) Serve as the repository of records of Emergency 911 National Program; and

(k) Undertake such other duties as the Emergency 911 Commission may direct.

SECTION 2. The Executive Director.— Under the direction of the Emergency 911 Commission, the Emergency 911 National Office shall function as the primary implementing office of the Emergency 911 National Program. It shall be headed by an Executive Director with the rank of Director IV, to be appointed by the President, upon recommendation of the DILG Secretary.

SECTION 3. Duties and Functions of the Executive Director.— The Executive Director shall be primarily responsible for the successful leadership and management of the Emergency 911 National Office. He shall exercise the following specific duties and functions:

(a) Acts as the Head, Secretariat of the Emergency 911 Commission;

(b) Plans and implements the Emergency 911 National Office functions, programs, projects and activities related to Emergency 911 National Program;

(c) Formulates and crafts policies, develops plans, strategies, rules and regulations relevant to the administration and operation of the Emergency 911 National Office;

(d) Supervises and oversees the overall operations of Emergency 911 system nationwide;

(e) Coordinates with other relevant agencies and enter into contracts or any agreements appropriate and legally tenable for the successful implementation of the Emergency 911 National Program;

(f) Plans, directs and oversees trainings and seminars for Emergency 911 personnel and volunteers; and,

(g) Performs such other related tasks as may be directed by the Chairman, Emergency 911 Commission and/or by the Secretary of the DILG.

SECTION 4. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern. — The Emergency 911 National Office shall review and modify, as may be necessary, its existing organizational structure and staffing pattern to effectively and efficiently carry out the functions prescribed in the EO No. 56 and this IRR, subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Pending the approval and setting up of the new organizational structure and staffing pattern, the Emergency 911 National Office shall retain all existing positions of the Patrol "117" Development Office.

The Emergency 911 National Office shall likewise include in its organizational structure and staffing pattern of Emergency 911 Regional Offices that may be established, as may be deemed necessary by the Emergency 911 Commission.

The Emergency 911 National Office and, whenever necessary, its Regional Offices, shall have an organizational structure and staffing pattern that is appropriate to its functions and necessary for its operability.

RULE V

Emergency 911 National Hotline Public Safety Answering Center or the National Call Center

SECTION 1. Functions.— The following are the functions of the National Call Center:

(a) Provide operational supervision and technical support to all LCCs;

(b) Receive, Relay, Record and Monitor all Emergency Calls such as Police, Fire, Medical, Rescue Assistance or any request for assistance;

(c) Collate, consolidate, evaluate and prepare periodic reports submitted by the LCCs including such other reports as the Emergency 911 National Office may require;

(d) Implement and transmit policies, guidelines, directives, memoranda and/or instructions to LCCs or as may be delegated by the Emergency 911 National Office;

(e) Perform such other functions necessary to carry out the provisions of EO No. 56 and as the Emergency 911 National Office may direct.

SECTION 2. Composition.— The National Call Center shall be composed of, but not limited to the following plantilla positions:

(a) General Supervisor (GS)

(b) Assistant General Supervisor (AGS)

(c) Administrative Officer (AO)

(d) Administrative Assistant (AA)

(e) Shift Supervisor (SS)

(f) Assistant Shift Supervisor (ASS)

(g) Information Technical Support Officer (ITSO)

(h) Emergency Telecommunicators/Agents (ETC)

Additional positions may be created as deemed necessary, upon recommendation of the Emergency 911 National Office, and approval of the Emergency 911 Commission, subject to the approval of the DBM.

RULE VI

911 Local Call Centers

SECTION 1. Functions.— 911 Local Call Centers may be established at the provincial, city and municipal levels, as may be necessary, which shall:

(a) Receive, relay, record and monitor all Emergency Calls such as but not limited to Police, Fire, Medical and Rescue Assistance as may be relayed by the National Call Center or received by the LCC;

(b) Prepare and submit periodic reports to the National Call Center including such other reports as the Emergency 911 National Office may request;

(c) Coordinate and complement the implementation of policies and guidelines issued by the Emergency 911 National Office; and

(d) Perform such other functions consistent with the Emergency 911 National Program.

SECTION 2. Composition.— The LCCs shall be under the administrative supervision and control of the Office of the Governor, City Mayor, or Municipal Mayor, as the case may be. It shall be composed of, but not limited to, the following positions:

(a) General Supervisor (GS)

(b) Assistant General Supervisor (AGS)

(c) Administrative Officer (AO)

(d) Administrative Assistant (AA)

(e) Shift Supervisor (SS)

(f) Assistant Shift Supervisor (ASS)

(g) Information Technical Support Officer (ITSO)

(h) Emergency Telecommunicators/Agents (ETC)

SECTION 3. Funding.— The funding requirement for the establishment and administrative maintenance of LCCs shall be chargeable against the respective budgets of the LGUs concerned, in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

SECTION 4. Requirements.— LGUs applying for the establishment of LCCs shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) Letter of Intent for the establishment or confirmation of established LCC addressed to the Chairperson, Emergency 911 Commission, through the Emergency 911 Executive Director, Emergency 911 National Office, with the appropriate Sanggunian Resolution passed for that purpose; aDSIHc

(b) Submission of proposed legal, administrative, operational, and technical documents and system architecture to be evaluated by the Emergency 911 National Office, in conformity with the specification and/or standards of the Emergency 911 National Program, for the approval of the Emergency 911 Commission;

(c) Letter Request for the Conduct of Basic Call Handling Training and Emergency Telecommunicator's Certification Course addressed to the Chairperson, Emergency 911 Commission through the Emergency 911 Executive Director, Emergency 911 National Office; and

(d) Notice of Activation or GO-LIVE of the Emergency 911 System addressed to the Chairperson, Emergency 911 Commission through the Emergency 911 Executive Director, Emergency 911 National Office.

RULE VII

Free Service to the Calling Public

The Emergency 911 Commission shall ensure that all calls made to the Emergency 911 Hotline shall be free of charge and other fees.

RULE VIII

Primary Service Responders

The Primary Service Responders shall promulgate new and/or updated Policies and Guidelines for the implementation of Emergency 911 National Program in conformity with EO No. 56.

SECTION 1. The Bureau of Fire Protection.— The lead agency in conducting fire suppression operations and providing the public with emergency medical services, hazardous materials protection, and technical search and rescue services.

SECTION 2. The Philippine National Police.— The lead agency in providing police assistance to any emergency calls referred by the Emergency 911 Hotline in relation with the PNP's mission to enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security with the active support of the community.

RULE IX

Major Support Service Responders

Consistent with their respective mandates, the following government agencies, including accredited NGOs, hospital and medical institutions and facilities, public safety volunteers, and such other institutions and facilities, shall provide the necessary and appropriate assistance and support to the Emergency 911 National Program:

(a) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) — The DPWH is mandated to undertake (a) the planning of infrastructure, such as national roads and bridges, flood control, water resources projects and other public works, and (b) the design, construction, and maintenance of national roads and bridges, and major flood control systems.

 In support of EO No. 56, the DPWH shall:

i. Ensure unhampered mobility and safety of road users along national road network;

ii. Conduct immediate repair/restoration of damaged infrastructure particularly those within the mandate of the Department;

iii. Provide logistical support/augmentation to other agencies and LGUs for clearing and response operations;

iv. Provide technical expertise to LGUs/concerned agencies, when necessary, with regards to design and supervision of infrastructure;

v. Provide accurate travel road advisories/situational reports of road closures and alternate routes to the public during calamities thru posting in the DPWH website and DPWH Central Office/Regional official social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter);

vi. Synchronize and coordinate its DPWH 24/7 Call Center Hotline 165-02 operations with the Emergency 911 Hotline National Call Center with respect to damaged infrastructure after occurrence of calamities and properly endorse said emergency situations to concerned DPWH offices for appropriate and immediate action; and,

vii. Prepare necessary reports as may be required.

(b) Department of Health (DOH) — The Department of Health is mandated to provide assistance to local government units (LGUs),people's organizations (PO) and other members of civic society members in effectively implementing programs, projects and services that will:

i. promote the health and well-being of every Filipino;

ii. prevent and control diseases among populations at risks;

iii. protect individuals, families and communities exposed to hazards and risks that could affect their health; and,

iv. treat, manage and rehabilitate individuals affected by injuries, disease and disability.

 In support of EO No. 56, the DOH shall:

i. Exercise its regulatory function in ensuring that health facilities and ambulances are compliant with licensing standards,

ii. Provide technical standards in the administration of life saving measures,

iii. Provide policies that will support implementation of the entire Emergency Medical Services System (EMSS) and,

iv. Strengthen capacity building and health advocacies related to violence and injury prevention program; EMSS, disaster risk reduction and management for health and resiliency.

(c) Department of Transportation (DOTr) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is the primary policy, planning, programming, coordinating, implementing and administrative entity of the executive branch of the government on the promotion, development and regulation of a dependable and coordinated network of transportation, as well as in the fast, safe, efficient and reliable transportation.

 As the lead agency responsible for the supervision and regulation of various land (road), rail, air, and sea transport systems and services in the country, DOTr is conferred with the following functions in relation to EO No. 56:

i. To extend immediate and adequate assistance to the Emergency 911 National Program before an imminent emergency, or during and after an emergency or disaster, by providing:

1. Emergency response assets, thru its attached agencies;

2. Transportation services to render emergency response; and

3. Transportation facilities to accommodate response operations.

ii. To act as the primary coordinating agency to all transport-related government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in their extension of immediate assistance and support to the Emergency 911 program per EO No. 56; and ETHIDa

iii. To ensure the participation or cooperation of both public and private stakeholders in the transport sector in responding to emergency situations and their prompt and effective delivery of the necessary assistance in the relation thereto.

(d) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) — In support of EO 56, the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall provide appropriate assistance and security support to the primary service providers.

(e) National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) — The National Bureau of Investigation as the premier investigative Agency of the country is mandated under Republic Act No. 10867 to cause the identification of the dead/victims in of mass fatality incidents caused by natural disasters.

 In support of EO No. 56, the NBI shall:

i. Lead activities for identification of the dead as a result of natural disasters;

ii. Release identified cadavers to legitimate claimants;

iii. Manage missing persons;

iv. Provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),the Philippine National Police (PNP) and such other government agencies in their search, retrieval and rescue efforts;

v. Provide personnel and such other logistical support to the Philippine National Police and such other law enforcement agencies in enforcing law and order and/or dissemination of information on disaster response operations; and,

vi. Perform such other function or activity as may be required or needed under the circumstances.

(f) Bureau of Immigration (BI) — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is principally responsible for the administration and enforcement of immigration, citizenship, and alien admission and registration laws in accordance with the provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. It also plays a role in the enforcement of RA 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

 In support of EO No. 56, the BI shall provide appropriate response to emergency calls involving foreign nationals forwarded by the National and/or Local Call Centers, in accordance with its mandate.

(g) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) — The Philippine Coast Guard is mandated and responsible to perform maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, marine environmental protection and maritime security.

 In support of EO No. 56, the PCG shall:

i. Exercise its mandate and functions by deploying PCG assets to emergency calls in times of maritime disasters at sea or on the coastline, during typhoons or any severe weather causing floods near waterways both in the rural as well as metropolitan areas, and providing medical assistance when necessary;

ii. Providing maritime response to reports of illegal fishing and poaching, violations of immigration, tariff and customs, violations on environmental protection, smuggling of firearms and explosives at sea, human trafficking by maritime transport, and dangerous drugs or controlled chemicals on our territorial waters and coastline;

iii. Establish immediate response in the PCG districts, stations and substation upon receipt and after verification of report on the hotline to decongest the bulk of received calls in the main action center; and,

iv. Provide assistance to other service provider agencies when the situation requires due to lack of assets and personnel upon request.

(h) Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) — In line with the Agency's mandate to enforce the anti-drug law, PDEA shall take action on drug-related concerns endorsed to it by the National and/or Local Call Centers.

(i) Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is mandated to provide metro-wide public safety services for the National Capital Region (NCR).Specifically, its mandate includes the formulation and implementation of programs and policies and procedures to achieve public safety, especially preparedness for preventive or rescue operations during times of calamities and disasters such as conflagrations, earthquakes, flood and tidal waves, and coordination and mobilization of resources and the implementation of contingency plans for the rehabilitation and relief operations in coordination with national agencies concerned.

 In support of E.O. No. 56, the MMDA shall:

i. Continue the operation and enhancement of its MMDA Metrobase Command Center and its auxiliary units, in order to serve the NCR in accordance with its mandate;

ii. Set up a coordination system with the LCCs within the NCR and the Emergency 911 National Office;

iii. Provide technical assistance, training, and evaluation of the Emergency responders or local LGU 911, if requested by the Commission; and

iv. In the event of an inter-city disaster within NCR, to perform its role in accordance with Section 15, R.A. 10121.

(j) Local Government Units (LGUs) in support of E.O. No. 56 shall:

i. Carry out its functions related to emergency response stipulated in the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and its IRR, Republic Act No. 10121 and its IRR, and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations;

ii. Ensure political, administrative, and operational support for the immediate establishment and effective implementation of LCCs;

iii. Promote sustainability of LCC operations thru partnership or networking with the private sector; and

iv. Build local capacity for ready and effective response to emergency situations.

(k) Accredited non-government organizations (NGOs), hospital and medical institutions and facilities, public safety volunteers, and other institutions and facilities — shall respond in accordance with their respective mandates or primary functions in line with EO No. 56.

 The Commission shall issue Policies and Guidelines as to the accreditation of NGOs, hospital and medical institutions and facilities, public safety volunteers, and other institutions and facilities.

RULE X

Private Communication Carriers and Telecommunication Companies and Other Relevant Communication Channels

SECTION 1. Private Communication Carriers and Telecommunication Companies.— All private communication carriers and telecommunications companies shall ensure and provide uninterrupted connectivity and integration of all calls made by their subscribers to the Emergency 911 Hotline.

SECTION 2. Other Relevant Communication Channels.— The Commission shall adopt and set-up such measures that would enhance existing modes of communication, keeping up with new technologies, such as but not limited to short messaging service, online platform, and the use of social media.

RULE XI

Funding

SECTION 1. Initial Funding. — The initial funding requirements for the implementation of the EO NO. 56 shall be chargeable to the Fiscal Year 2018 budget of the 911 Emergency Services, and may be augmented upon recommendation of the DBM.

SECTION 2. Funding for Succeeding Years.— Appropriations for the succeeding years shall be incorporated in the budget proposal of the DILG.

SECTION 3. 911 Local Call Centers.— The operations of the LCCs established and maintained by LGUs shall be chargeable to their respective local budgets.

SECTION 4. Service Responders.— All service responders, including NGOs, hospital and medical institutions and facilities, and public safety volunteers, shall shoulder their own expense in providing and improving public safety services.

RULE XII

Common Provisions

SECTION 1. Cooperation of All Government Agencies and LGUs. — All agencies and instrumentalities of the government are hereby directed and LGUs are hereby enjoined to provide the necessary assistance for the effective implementation of EO No. 56. cSEDTC

SECTION 2. Participation of Private Sector. — The private sector is encouraged to actively participate in whatever capacity in the implementation of EO No. 56 and this IRR, and to advocate crime prevention, public order, and public safety.

SECTION 3. Fraudulent, Hoax or Prank Reports.— All fraudulent, hoax, or prank reports shall be dealt with in accordance with existing and applicable laws, rules, regulations and the implementing rules and regulations of EO No. 56.

RULE XIII

Miscellaneous Provisions

SECTION 1. Amendment. — This IRR may be amended, modified or supplemented when necessary for effective implementation and enforcement of EO No. 56.

The Emergency 911 Commission, with the assistance of the Emergency 911 National Office, may amend or modify these Rules as may be necessary, in accordance with the laws.

SECTION 2. Effectivity of the Amendment.— In order for any amendment to become fully effective and legally binding, publication of such in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation shall be made mandatory.

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. — All other issuances, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of EO No. 56 and IRR are hereby amended, repealed, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 4. Transitory Provision. — The members of the Patrol "117" Commission shall ensure the smooth and complete transition to the Emergency 911 Commission, and of the Patrol "117" Development Office to the Emergency 911 National Office, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of EO No. 56. In no case shall the delivery of services under the Emergency 911 Hotline be disrupted by reason of such transition.

Nevertheless, pending approval of arrangements necessary for the full implementation of EO No. 56, the existing rates and fees charged on calls to existing 911 platforms, if any, shall continue to apply.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause.— If any provision of this Order is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause.— These Rules shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Quezon City, Philippines, September 25, 2018.

(SGD.) EDUARDO M. AÑOOIC, Department of the Interior and Local Government