Police mobilized for DepEd’s school ‘active shooter drills’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police mobilized local police units to support the Department of Education’s nationwide “active shooter drills,” a security measure following the school shooting in Tacloban City.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara earlier explained that the drills would train students and school personnel on the appropriate response during an active shooter incident.

Furthermore, Angara said the drills will establish standard protocols for school authorities to follow in case a gun attack occurs.

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READ: Schools now need to conduct active shooter drills

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“The information that would be provided through this program would be their (students) first line of protection and defense in cases of emergency situations inside the campus,” said PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement on Monday.

“The safety and welfare of our learners are always our top priority,” Nartatez emphasized.

Nartatez said police participation in the drills would help boost students’ confidence in law enforcement and improve campus safety.

He added that the PNP will sustain school patrols, support anti-bullying efforts, and coordinate with schools on the possible deployment of police officers during Monday flag ceremonies.

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Following the incidents, DepEd, PNP, and other stakeholders have been crafting response protocols for similar emergencies.

Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government directed cities and municipalities to establish Safer School Zones by deploying “barangay tanods” or village watchmen.

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The DILG said the country has over 200,000 tanods to help safeguard students from crime, violence, and other hazards in and around schools.“The children are the future of this country and as such, it is our mandate, it is our obligation to protect them and to make them feel safe not only in their homes and on the streets, but also in their schools,” said Nartatez.

“We assure the public that we will continue to honor this commitment in coordination with DepEd and other stakeholders,” he added. INQ /mr

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