DepEd postpones nationwide active shooter drills
2 sources · Philippines
Who reported this
- Rappler
- Philippine Daily Inquirer
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The Department of Education (DepEd) has postponed a nationwide active shooter drill originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 25. The activity is now expected to take place during the first week of September. Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the suspension during a radio interview on August 24, stating that the department is listening to and incorporating the views of experts.
Official statements from DepEd cited inclement weather and the cancellation of face to face classes in several areas as reasons for the delay. The department also noted that the postponement provides additional time to align the activity with recommendations from experts in child protection, disaster preparedness, and psychosocial support to ensure the physical and psychological well being of students.
The Philippine Psychiatric Association and the Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry had called for the deferral, arguing that hyperrealistic simulations of violence can cause lasting psychological harm without proven evidence of reducing casualties. These medical groups recommended tabletop exercises as an alternative. The planned drill followed a shooting on August 18 at Ateneo de Zamboanga University where two students were killed, including the alleged shooter.
DepEd stated that the rescheduled activity will remain age appropriate and trauma informed, avoiding graphic simulations that may cause distress. Schools were reminded to ensure the availability of psychosocial support and psychological first aid.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- The center left leaning report emphasized the role of medical experts and the psychological impact of the drills, while providing broader context regarding recent school shootings.
- Centre
- The center leaning report focused primarily on the official reasons for postponement, such as inclement weather.
Sources
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