DepEd puts active-shooter drills on hold until September

The Department of Education (DepEd) has postponed the nationwide active-attack school safety drills set for August 25, moving the activity to the first week of September due to bad weather and the suspension of face-to-face classes in several areas.

DepEd also reminded schools to avoid overly realistic or graphic simulations that may scare or cause distress among students.

The department said the drills will focus on basic safety actions, communication, coordination, accountability, and recovery, with the activities be made suitable for the age of the students.

“The rescheduled activity shall remain age-appropriate and trauma-informed,” according to DepEd.

The move came after the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) and the Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (PSCAP) raised concerns over the planned live-shooter simulation.

The groups said the simulation may affect learners, especially their mental health, and may cause fear or psychological harm.

They added that realistic violence simulations may cause psychological harm to students, stating there is no current evidence to show that these simulations could prevent attacks or reduce casualties.

Instead, these two mental health groups suggested tabletop exercises and discussions with teachers, school staff, and parents—helping the schools to prepare for possible emergencies without having to recreate violent situations, the organizations stated.

DepEd said the postponement will give schools more time to prepare while also looking at the weather, disaster preparedness, child protection, and students’ well-being.

Schools were also told to have psychological first aid and psychosocial support available under their School Contingency Plans.

Regional directors were instructed to coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other concerned agencies.

The drills will now be held during the first week of September, with the exact date still to be announced. Schools will be informed once the date is finalized.