The Department of Education (DepEd) will begin rolling out active shooter drills in schools this week as part of enhanced safety measures aimed at better preparing students, teachers, and school personnel for emergency situations.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative comes in response to the recent fatal shooting at a school in Tacloban City, which he described as the country's first school shooting involving a student as the suspect.
The department will officially launch the drills on Friday, demonstrating the standard procedures schools should follow during an armed attack. Angara said the goal is to establish clear and automatic response protocols that can help protect lives during critical incidents.
DepEd, PNP to Improve Response to Bomb Threats
Aside from active shooter preparedness, DepEd is also strengthening its response to the growing number of bomb threats reported in schools.
Angara said the department will work closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly its SWAT teams, to inspect school premises whenever bomb threats are received. Instead of immediately suspending classes, students and school personnel may be moved to designated safe areas while authorities assess the situation.
If the area is declared secure after inspection, classes can resume without unnecessary disruption.
Mental Health Support Remains a Key Focus
Alongside tighter security measures, DepEd is continuing to prioritize the mental well-being of learners and educators affected by traumatic incidents.
Angara underscored the importance of providing psychological first aid to students, teachers, parents, and school personnel, noting that such events can have lasting emotional effects on entire school communities.
He cited the coordinated response following the shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, the University of the Philippines, the local parish, and the local government worked together to provide psychosocial support.
According to Angara, these interventions helped the school community recover and paved the way for the safe resumption of face-to-face classes earlier this week. He said DepEd will continue strengthening both campus security and mental health programs to ensure schools remain safe and supportive learning environments.
