Active shooter drills? Disaster officials eye updated protocols for man-made incidents

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Disaster management officials in Central Visayas are pushing to establish dedicated active shooter protocols and drills as authorities strengthen preparedness for man-made emergencies.

The initiative follows the recent school shooting in Tacloban City and an alleged shooting threat against a public school in Batangas, which have heightened concerns over campus safety.

No established protocols yet

Nagiel Bañacia, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said local governments should be prepared not only for natural hazards but also for man-made disasters and their consequences.

He said the Lapu-Lapu City Government, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, has already begun developing response procedures for public shooting incidents.

However, Bañacia said authorities have yet to establish protocols for school shootings, particularly when students are involved as both perpetrators and victims.

READ: Review of mobile apps, school phone rules mulled

“Wala pa tay procedure ana kung unsay angay buhaton og dunay active shooter nga estudyante. It needs to be studied upon,” Bañacia said during a news forum on Wednesday, July 1.

(We still do not have a procedure on what to do when the active shooter is a student.)

Contingency planning

Joel Mamon, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense in Central Visayas, said schools already have designated focal persons responsible for emergency management, whether incidents are caused by natural hazards or human actions.

He suggested that all establishments should also have trained first responders who know whom to contact and what steps to take during emergencies.

READ: Tacloban City school shooting: Latest updates

Mamon likewise emphasized the importance of contingency planning to help schools and institutions respond effectively to disasters or crises.

He said authorities are now working toward crafting dedicated protocols and conducting active shooter drills in schools.

Basic response

While comprehensive guidelines are still being developed, Mamon shared several basic actions people should take during an active shooting incident.

He urged individuals to immediately seek cover and avoid the temptation to watch or record the incident, saying, “Forget about the tendency nga maki-marites ta.”

Mamon also advised people to stay aware of their surroundings and, when it is safe to do so, determine where the gunfire is coming from to better protect themselves.

He said authorities should be contacted immediately, stressing the importance of having emergency hotline numbers readily available in schools and other establishments.

READ: PNP: Alleged Batangas school shooting threat came from ‘bullied’ student

Mamon also highlighted the role of school heads and faculty members in preparing for and managing active shooter situations.

Recent cases

The discussions gained urgency following the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two students allegedly opened fire inside classrooms.

The attack left three students dead and several others injured, with authorities identifying the suspected shooters as students aged 14 and 15.

Authorities also recently investigated an alleged shooting threat against a public school in Batangas after an individual claiming to be a bullied student reportedly made the threat.

The recent cases have prompted several local government units across the country to introduce or strengthen school safety measures in an effort to prevent similar attacks.

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