(DARAM NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — Public schools in Samar and Eastern Samar have started conducting active shooter simulation exercises to strengthen campus security and emergency preparedness following the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and about 20 others injured.
The drills are part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) intensified school safety campaign as classes resume, following the fatal campus attack that shocked the region and prompted a review of security protocols in schools nationwide.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara earlier announced that schools would begin conducting active shooter drills starting July 10, coinciding with the National Safe Schools Summit and Safety Drill. He also directed school officials to work closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in assessing security risks and strengthening emergency response mechanisms.
In Samar, the Daram Municipal Police Station conducted simulation exercises at Birawan National High School on July 1 and Daram National High School on July 4, according to Police Major Rio Tan.
The simulations featured realistic scenarios involving active shooters, stabbing incidents, bomb threats and other security emergencies. The exercises were carried out by the PNP in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), CAFGU Active Auxiliary, local government units and school administrators.
Before the simulations, police personnel briefed participants on emergency protocols and safety procedures. Debriefing sessions were held afterward to assess the participants’ responses, identify strengths and address areas needing improvement.
Authorities said the exercises were intended to improve the preparedness and response capabilities of students, teachers and school personnel during critical incidents.
“The activity also served as an awareness campaign on the proper actions to take during emergency situations, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, following established safety protocols and coordinating with responding authorities,” Tan said.
In Eastern Samar, the Dolores Municipal Police Station, together with Dolores National High School, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the 1st Eastern Samar Mobile Force Company, conducted a similar active shooter simulation on July 9.
The activity concluded with a Shooting Incident Response Drill involving students, teachers, non-teaching personnel and emergency responders to test evacuation procedures, incident command and inter-agency coordination.
School officials said the exercise was aimed at reinforcing emergency response protocols and ensuring that both school personnel and first responders are prepared to respond effectively to violent incidents on campus.
The drills were prompted by the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two Grade 9 students allegedly opened fire inside the campus. The attack claimed the lives of three students and injured around 20 others, prompting DepEd and law enforcement agencies to strengthen school security measures and emergency preparedness in schools across the country.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
