PNP mobilizes for nationwide school safety drills

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday committed its full support to nationwide school safety drills scheduled by the Department of Education (DepEd) on 25 August amid heightened concerns over security in schools.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force will deploy sufficient personnel and resources to support the exercises, which aim to establish protocols during security threats and other emergencies.

“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 PNP said its coordination with DepEd has intensified following recent incidents that compromised the safety of students.

The drills were initially tested in selected schools after the PNP and DepEd, along with other stakeholders, developed safety protocols for teachers and students.

The initiative is also in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen measures protecting students, teachers and other school personnel.

Nartatez said the exercises would familiarize students and school personnel with procedures to follow during security threats while allowing police units to test and improve their coordination with schools and local governments.

He directed local police units to coordinate with school administrators and barangay officials before and during the exercises, particularly on police response, communications and other procedures required during actual emergencies.

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

DepEd will lead the nationwide drills on Tuesday, 25 August, as part of efforts to strengthen school security and prevent violence on campuses.