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

Under a memorandum dated 12 August, schools are directed to base the exercise on their localized School Contingency Plan for Active Attack Incidents.

“This is in view of the Department of Education’s commitment to ensuring safe, secure, and resilient learning environments, and in response to the increasing occurrence of active shooting and other active attack incidents affecting schools and communities worldwide,” the memorandum said.

It said DepEd would continue to strengthen preparedness “through preventive planning, capacity building, and emergency response measures.”

Schools have been instructed to develop, review or update their contingency plans and share approved copies with their local government units, the Philippine National Police and parent-teacher associations.

The plans must address measures including classroom security mechanisms such as double-locking systems, information and education materials, family reunification areas, safe rooms, evacuation routes and emergency communication procedures.

Schools must also coordinate with the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, local disaster risk reduction and management offices and other relevant agencies. At least one representative from these stakeholders must be invited to serve as an external evaluator and provide recommendations for improving the school's contingency plan and future safety drills.

The memorandum also requires schools to activate their School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management teams and ensure members carry out their assigned roles.

DepEd stressed that the exercise should not put learners or personnel at further risk.

“Schools are reminded that the conduct of the drill shall prioritize the safety and psychological well-being of learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel,” the memorandum said. “Simulation activities shall be age-appropriate, trauma-informed, and focused on preparedness, protective actions, coordinated response, and post-incident recovery.”

The nationwide drill comes after two fatal school shooting incidents in the Philippines in recent months. In August, a Grade 8 student in Zamboanga City fatally shot a classmate before taking his own life, according to authorities. The incident followed a fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City in June.

While ceremonial venues will host the simultaneous drills, DepEd said all schools are strongly encouraged to conduct their own active attack drills on 25 August or on an adjusted schedule.

Schools unable to conduct the drill on the prescribed date must notify their Division Disaster Risk Reduction and Management coordinator and provide the reason for the postponement and their proposed schedule.

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

After the exercise, schools must submit an evaluation form, photo and video documentation and an updated School Contingency Plan for Active Attack Incidents through DepEd's online reporting system.###