The Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday vowed to work closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) and school officials to refine the conduct of school safety drills.

Nartatez 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,” Nartatez said.

The coordination came after the nationwide school safety drills scheduled for 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.

DepEd also cited inclement weather and the suspension of face-to-face classes as reasons for the deferment.

DepEd said the postponement will give school authorities additional time to ensure that the activity is fully aligned with 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 remains age-appropriate and trauma-informed, focusing on basic protective actions, communication, coordination, accountability and recovery.

For his part, Nartatez said the PNP respects the concerns raised by advocacy and medical groups regarding the conduct of active shooter drills. He said the police organization recognizes its responsibility as a partner of DepEd in keeping schools safe.

This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to ensure that school safety programs are responsive to the needs of students while strengthening preparedness against threats.

The PNP chief 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.