The Philippine government has just launched a nationwide hotline number for emergency calls, but even before that there have been private companies offering that service. Here are some of them.
Pilipinas 911
Pilipinas 911 is the only privately-owned emergency dispatch company in the country where employees are trained internationally. It provides assistance to its members whether for police, medical or fire emergency.
Dial: PLDT 02-0000911, Smart 0998-0000911, Sun 0925-0000911, Globe 0917-0000911.
Good for: Police, medical or fire emergencies.
Available: Nationwide
Cost: Premium solo membership (PHP800/year) provides members with unlimited emergency calls and two free emergency private ambulance dispatches. Family membership (PHP1,800/year) covers five people and gets you unlimited emergency calls and three free emergency ambulance dispatches.
Lifeline Rescue
This 24 hour professional ambulance service responds to distress calls in Metro Manila. It has a firm relationship with NCR’s finest hospitals since its establishment in 1995.
Dial: 16-911
Good for: Medical emergency.
Available: In Metro Manila and adjacent areas (Antipolo, Cainta and Taytay, Bacoor, Meycauyan, Obando and San Jose del Monte, San Pedro)
Cost: There are two types of membership available at Lifeline: Individual (PHP1,000) and household (PHP3,000). The membership provides free access to Lifeline’s emergency services. The household membership plan applies to the entire household including help and visitors. The coverage ends once a patient is properly endorsed to a emergency room. There is a separate plan for emergency airlift service.
Airgurus Ltd Co.
Airgurus is 24/7 helicopter emergency service established in 2010. It provides services such as an air ambulance for intensive healthcare assistance, as well as helicopter search and rescue. Their helicopters provide emergency evacuation, medical assistance, fodder drops for isolated livestock aerial mapping of possible survivors and delivery of medical supplies.
Dial: 02-5836377, 02-8544086, 0920-9550897, 0917-5966288
Good for: Natural disaster and medical emergencies
Available: Nationwide
Sky Aid
Also from Airgurus, this subscription-based program gives subcribers access to medical air transport during emergencies when immediate evacuation is necessary.
Dial: 02-8544086
Good for: Any medical emergency.
Available: Nationwide
Cost: There are monthly plans for individuals (PHP2,500), couples (PHP4,000) and families (PHP6,000). Plans for the whole year also being offered, which cost from PHP9,000 to PHP21,000. Members are entitled to the services immediately after downpayment has been made. Only persons under 70 years of age with weight less than 300 pounds can apply for the embership program. And Sky Aid will only provide two emergency air transports per year per member.
Automobile Association Philippiens Emergency Road Rescue
Formerly known as Philippine Motor Association, Automobile Association Philippines was founded in 1935 and is now the country’s biggest and oldest auto club. It also offers road emergency services to their members.
Dial: There are several numbers, depending on your location.
Good for: Towing, tire change, battery boost, fuel provision and simple mechanical repairs.
Available: Metro Manila, Alabang-Calamba-Sto. Tomas Expressway (ACTEX), within 25 km road distance from AAP offices at Alabang, Cebu City, Davao City, Lipa City, and San Fernando, Pampanga.
Cost: Solo membership fee costs PHP2,000 (one year) or PHP5,000 (three years). ERS is available for member’s registered cars at any time, or for any non-registered car they are using as long as they are present at the time of the service. Non-members may also avail of AAP’s services as long as they enroll as “member-on-the-spot” and pay for the tollway rates. Kriza Malaluan and Bernice Labad
