EXPLAINER: What to do when there's an active shooter in school, according to DepEd drill

The Department of Education (DepEd) now requires all schools to conduct an active threat drill and this was conducted at the Manila Science High School on Wednesday.

According to Darlene Cay’s report in “24 Oras” there are three words to remember when there is an active shooter: run, hide, fight.

When hiding from the shooter, make sure to do the following:

• Lock the doors
• Turn off the lights
• Draw the curtains
• Barricade the doors with chairs, tables, and other objects
• Lie down or sit on the floor
• Avoid making any noise and immediately put your gadgets on silent mode
• But if ever the shooter finds the classroom, run outside

The last resort is to fight the shooter, but this should be the adults such the teachers or school staff who must do this.

During the simultaneous evacuation of students and teachers, they must raise their hands to show they are not carrying any weapons.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said that schools can customize their own drills depending on their situation and area.

“Napansin ng eksperto na maganda yung takbo niya, pero may konting detalye na parang nakalimutan, like huwag tumayo sa harap ng pintuan. Kasi pintuan, tatagos ang bala roon. So ang sabi niya dapat doon tayo sa pader,” he said.

(The expert noticed that the execution was good, but there was a minor detail that seemed to have been overlooked, like not standing in front of the door. Because bullets can penetrate doors. So he said we should position ourselves against the wall.)

The DepEd will begin hiring 10,000 school counselor associates following the Civil Service Commission's approval of the qualifications.

Additionally, DepEd will seek an additional P8 billion in funding during the upcoming budget season to strengthen security in public schools. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA News