DepEd sets nationwide shooter drill tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines — Amid opposition from psychiatric associations, the National Simultaneous School Safety Drill will proceed tomorrow, according to the Department of Education.

DepEd said the shooting drills would focus on institutional preparedness for active threat scenarios while safeguarding the well-being of participants.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the school safety policies must treat physical security and mental health as inseparable priorities.

“Safety is not just about physical security; it is equally about protecting our children’s peace of mind,” Angara said. “We are working closely with our medical experts and psychiatric societies to ensure our shared priority for the well-being of our children remains at the center of our implementation.”

Angara said hyper-realistic or fear-inducing elements, such as bladed or blunt weapons, firearms, pyrotechnics, simulated gunfire and artificial casualties are banned during drills.

The simultaneous active school shooting drills were originally scheduled on Aug. 25.

“Our goal for Sept. 3 is to build calm operational confidence and muscle memory through proper orientation, not fear. Preparedness saves lives and trauma-informed execution protects our learners,” Angara said.

To ensure that safety protocols align with child-centered, trauma-informed standards under the “Do No Harm” directive, DepEd said the drill follows continuous dialogues with medical and mental health partners.

Prior to the exercise, participating schools will conduct preparations, including capacity-building training for teachers, school readiness assessments and age-appropriate orientations for learners.

DepEd said school heads and teachers must provide advance notices to students, parents and staff.

Taking a proactive stance against school violence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will support DepEd’s training sessions to help parents and teachers recognize violent behavior among students.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police participation aims to protect learners and teachers by ensuring that schools remain safe spaces.

He directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group and the Women and Children Protection Center to assist in the sessions.

The education department is conducting protection sessions that address bullying, online sexual abuse and violent extremism following fatal shootings in Tacloban and Zamboanga. — Emmanuel Tupas