The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the implementation of active shooter drills in schools nationwide as part of enhanced safety protocols following recent campus violence incidents.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that these drills aim to prepare schools for armed attacks, ensuring staff and students follow standardized protocols during emergencies.The initiative comes after the first recorded school shooting involving a student, prompting DepEd to reassess its safety measures.

Angara also highlighted collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to address increasing bomb threats, noting that schools need not automatically suspend classes but should allow trained personnel to inspect premises.

Psychological first aid was stressed as critical for trauma recovery, citing the successful resumption of classes at San Jose National High School in Tacloban after a fatal shooting.

The drills, set to begin this week, will demonstrate response procedures, while multidisciplinary support from health, social welfare, and local authorities will continue to address the emotional impact on affected communities.These measures reflect a comprehensive approach to safeguarding educational institutions and supporting mental well-being post-incident.