Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday vowed to work closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) and school officials to refine the conduct of school safety drills. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stated that local police offices are coordinating with school division heads and regional directors to determine the necessary adjustments for the drills, ensuring these exercises enhance preparedness while safeguarding the welfare of learners and teachers.
According to Philippines News Agency, the coordination comes after the nationwide school safety drills scheduled for August 25 were postponed following appeals from various groups to delay the exercises. These groups argued that the drills should be integrated with psychosocial and child support measures. DepEd also cited adverse weather conditions and the suspension of face-to-face classes as reasons for the deferment.
DepEd mentioned that the postponement would provide school authorities with additional time to ensure the activity aligns with all protection measures for learners. This includes ensuring that preparedness measures protect both the physical and psychological well-being of learners. The department is committed to maintaining that the activity remains age-appropriate and trauma-informed, with a focus on basic protective actions, communication, coordination, accountability, and recovery.
PNP chief Nartatez emphasized that the police organization respects the concerns raised by advocacy and medical groups regarding the conduct of active shooter drills. He acknowledged the PNP's responsibility as a DepEd partner in maintaining school safety, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, under the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to ensure school safety programs meet student needs while bolstering preparedness against threats.
Nartatez expressed understanding of the sentiments from advocacy and medical groups that drills should not induce unnecessary fear or distress among learners and teachers. He noted that the postponement would provide an opportunity to align the exercises with expert recommendations, with police units continuing to provide assistance and technical support once the nationwide drills resume.
The PNP chief reaffirmed the organization's commitment to conducting non-traumatic approaches to help ensure the safety and security of students and teachers in schools.
