Quezon city: To boost safety and security in schools in Quezon City, the police and the city government are set to hold simulation drills for students on how to respond to threats, including active shootings, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said. Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio informed reporters that they will launch a dry run of simulation exercises of possible attacks in schools, aligning with the Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's Safer Cities program.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is tentatively scheduled for launch this Friday and will cover scenarios such as stabbing, bomb threats, and riots, aside from shootings. Silvio emphasized the importance of students being trained to defend themselves when faced with attackers.
Mayor Joy Belmonte is keen on ensuring that students receive comprehensive training. 'We have a dry run this Friday, with four scenarios similar to earthquake drills. Students should know what to do in case of an active shooter, stabbing incident, bomb threat, and riot inside classrooms. We've created an audiovisual presentation for these scenarios to educate the students,' Silvio explained.
Following attacks in educational institutions, including a shooting spree in Tacloban City that resulted in three deaths and 20 injuries, the QCPD has heightened security in schools. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized coordination with local Department of Education offices and school authorities to assure police presence during the drills.
Nartatez assured that the PNP would continue offering necessary support systems to prevent incidents similar to the Tacloban City tragedy, the first school gun attack in the country. In addition to regular police visibility, the PNP supports programs involving guidance counseling and anti-bullying measures, engaging personnel from the Women and Children Protection Desk.
Police commanders have been instructed to collaborate with school authorities for potential police presence during Monday's flag-raising ceremonies, a practice Nartatez initiated during his tenure as a young chief of police. 'The children are the future of this country, and it is our mandate to protect them and ensure their safety at home, on the streets, and in their schools,' he stated.
