DepEd orders nationwide active attack drills in all public, private schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered all public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide to conduct a simultaneous safety drill for active attack incidents on August 25.

Under a memorandum dated August 12, the DepEd said the drill will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, with schools instructed to use their localized contingency plans for active attack incidents.

The directive comes amid renewed concerns over school safety following recent shooting incidents in Tacloban. The Education Department has also been strengthening its preparedness for active attacks through school contingency planning and emergency response measures.

Schools are required to develop, review, or update their School Contingency Plan for Active Attack Incidents and share the approved plan with their local government unit, Philippine National Police, and parent-teacher association.

Among the preparedness measures schools are instructed to identify are:

• double-locking mechanisms or other classroom security measures;
• information and education materials;
• family reunification areas;
• safe rooms and evacuation routes; and
• emergency communication procedures.

Schools must also coordinate with the PTA, LGU, PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, local disaster risk reduction and management office, and other relevant agencies.

They are likewise required to invite at least one representative from an emergency response agency or other appropriate stakeholder to serve as an external evaluator and provide recommendations following the drill.

Each school’s School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (SDRRM) Team must also be activated for the exercise.

DepEd stressed that the drill should prioritize the safety and psychological well-being of learners, teachers and non-teaching personnel. Simulation activities should be age-appropriate and trauma-informed, with emphasis on preparedness, protective actions, coordinated response and post-incident recovery.

The nationwide drill will have designated ceremonial venues in each region, but all schools are strongly encouraged to conduct their own active attack drills either on August 25 or on an adjusted schedule.

Schools that cannot conduct the drill on the prescribed date must inform their division disaster risk reduction and management coordinator and provide their proposed schedule.

Schools that have already conducted the drill before August 25 will not be required to repeat it, but must submit the required documentation.

The memorandum also requires schools to submit an evaluation form, photo and video documentation, and their updated active attack contingency plan through DepEd’s online reporting system.

Expenses related to the drill may be charged against local funds, the School Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), or other available funds, subject to existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules.

The move comes as DepEd has emphasized that school safety should involve not only physical security but also preparedness and coordinated response. The department has previously conducted active shooter simulations as part of efforts to ensure that school personnel and learners know how to respond during emergencies. — RSJ, GMA News