EXPLAINER: What to do during an active school shooting?

On Monday, a shooting incident occurred at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte, which led to the deaths of three students and left 20 others injured.

Similar to disaster drills, the Department of Education (DepEd) said it is finalizing the implementation of drills in schools for when there is an active shooter.

What should you do during an active school shooting situation?

In a “24 Oras” report, professional security and safety expert Bong Oteyza shared what students and teachers should do if an active shooter is outside the classroom.

First, stay inside the classroom. Secure and lock all its doors to prevent the shooter from entering the room. Students and teachers can use furniture such as armchairs to block the doors,

Second, stay silent – do not draw attention and keep devices on silent mode. Do not try to look outside to see what is happening; instead, keep low and stay hidden for as long as shots are ringing out.

Avoid eye contact with the shooter in case he/she passes by the room, the expert added.

Third, hide together and build a barricade to prevent anyone from leaving the classroom.

Oteyza said coming face-to-face with the shooter is the absolute worst-case scenario that must be avoided.

Lastly, the teacher must take charge during the crisis to keep students calm, ensure they follow instructions, and prevent anyone from making noise or trying to leave the room.

Aside from drills, DepEd is also pushing for the deployment of security guards and the installation of CCTV cameras in all schools.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered frequent patrols and monitoring around schools, with plans to seek assistance from local government units and barangays.

“So what we are doing is strategic deployment po ‘yung when and where we are most needed. Ito po ay lalong pinaigting natin ‘yung pagbabantay,” PNP Spokesperson Col. Allan Rae Co said.

(So what we are doing is strategic deployment, when and where we are most needed. We have further intensified our monitoring.) — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/JMA, GMA News