Road Emergency? Call the MMDA Hotline 136 for a Five-Minute Response Time

(SPOT.ph) When motorists get into a road accident, the usual instinct is to look around for a traffic enforcer—or hope one passes by. What most might not realize is that there’s a hotline you can call where help will arrive within five minutes. At least that’s the target.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the agency is relaunching Hotline 136—now accessible as (02) 136—as its main 24/7 emergency line for major roads in Metro Manila. While 136 isn’t new, MMDA is now pushing it more aggressively so motorists know there’s an existing number they can call for immediate assistance.

According to Torre, the promise is straightforward: within five rings, a human operator should answer your call. From there, traffic enforcers are expected to arrive within five minutes.

“Ang aming garantiya diyan ay limang minuto makakarating ang aming mga traffic enforcers kung saan man kayo nangangailangan ng tulong,” Torre said.

The hotline covers traffic-related emergencies, including road accidents, stalled vehicles, road clearing operations, and towing services on major roads under MMDA jurisdiction. These include EDSA, C5, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, and others.

It’s not limited to on-ground assistance, either. You can also call to double-check if number coding is in effect or ask about current travel restrictions before you even hit the road.

Also read: What Should You Do If You Get Hit While on the Pedestrian Lane?

While enforcers are dispatched, officers at the MMDA Communications and Command Center in Pasig City begin reviewing CCTV footage of the incident. There, hundreds of live feeds run at once—from wide rooftop shots of major roads to close-up body camera footage showing what enforcers see on the ground.

Motorists involved in minor accidents will receive a copy of the CCTV clip. Upon arrival, enforcers will ask for a messaging or social media account where the footage can be sent.

Torre said the aim is to clear the road within 10 minutes.

“Within 10 minutes, gusto namin cleared na ang kalsada. Kung anuman ang usapin ninyo sa banggaan—kung sino magbabayad ng insurance, kung sino mga mananagot—paguusapan na ng mga parties concerned sa tabi gamit yung ipapadala naming CCTV footage,” Torre said.

 
Also read: LOOK: This Is How the MMDA Watches Over Metro Manila 24/7