PNP to help refine school safety drill amid procedure concerns
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will help the Department of Education (DepEd) in refining the protocol for the school safety drills after its nationwide simultaneous launching was postponed not only due to bad weather but also the concerns raised by some educators.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said local police offices are coordinating with school division heads and regional directors to determine the adjustments needed for the drills to ensure that these exercises strengthen preparedness while protecting the welfare of learners and teachers.
“All the safety measures that the PNP discussed and recommended to the DepEd are anchored on the welfare and interest of the learners. And this will be a continuing and an evolving process with the end goal of making all schools safe and conducive to learning,” said Nartatez.
The coordination came after the nationwide school safety drills scheduled on August 25 were postponed following calls from some groups to defer the exercises.
The groups said the drills should be aligned with psychosocial and child support measures.
In a statement, DepEd also said that the postponement will give school authorities additional time to ensure that the activity is fully aligned with all the protection measures for learners, particularly in ensuring that preparedness measures safeguard both the physical and psychological well-being of learners.
It also vowed to ensure that the activity shall remain age-appropriate and trauma-informed, focusing on basic protective actions, communication, coordination, accountability, and recovery.
Nartatez, for his part, said the PNP respects the concerns raised by advocacy and medical groups regarding the conduct of active shooter drills, adding that the police organization recognizes its responsibility as a partner of DepEd in keeping schools safe.
He said the postponement would allow time to align the exercises with expert recommendations, noting that police units will continue to provide assistance and technical support once the nationwide drills push through.
“The PNP will continue its commitment to conducting non-traumatic approaches that will help ensure the safety and security of students and teachers in schools,” Nartatez said.