PNP backs nationwideschool safety drills

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Friday the police force would provide personnel and resources for nationwide school safety drills scheduled by the Department of Education on 25 August.

Nartatez said the PNP and DepEd had been coordinating on safety measures following recent incidents in schools that compromised the safety of learners.

“We have been involved in crafting measures to ensure the protection of learners and every learning space. The hard work is not yet done since your PNP will also be there to make sure that these safety measures are properly implemented in every school,” Nartatez said.

The safety protocol was initially tested in selected schools as the PNP and DepEd, with other stakeholders, worked on measures for teachers and learners during security threats.

Nartatez said the drills would help students, teachers and school personnel understand what to do during a security threat. Police units would also use the exercises to test coordination with school authorities and local government officials.

He directed local police units to coordinate with school authorities and barangay officials before and during the drills, particularly on police response, communication and other procedures needed during an emergency.

“These drills will intensify coordination mechanisms among the police, school authorities, and barangay officials, especially whenever there are threat situations,” Nartatez said.