The Department of Education (DepEd) conducted the National Simultaneous School Safety Drill on September 3, 2026, after postponing the original August 25 plan due to weather and mental health concerns. The exercise prioritized trauma-informed protocols, age-appropriate scenarios, and collaboration with medical experts to balance safety with psychological well-being.
Drill Execution: Trauma-Informed Safeguards Amid Controversy
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the September 3 drill focused on calm operational confidence and muscle memory without inducing fear, stating, Safety is not just about physical security; it is equally about protecting our children’s peace of mind.
The exercise included practices like securing entry points, silent concealment, and evacuation route reviews, but explicitly banned hyper-realistic elements such as active aggressor role-players, simulated gunfire, and artificial casualties. Schools across the country, including Carlos F. Gonzales High School in Bulacan, participated in the drill, which followed fatal shootings at Ateneo de Zamboanga University on August 18 and San Jose National High School on June 22. Angara noted the drill was designed to strengthen schools’ emergency preparedness without causing unnecessary fear or distress, citing consultations with the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PSA) and other medical organizations.
DepEd holds simultaneous school safety drills nationwide
Postponement and Rescheduling: Balancing Urgency and Expert Input
DepEd initially scheduled the drill for August 25 but delayed it after the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PSA) and other groups warned of potential psychological harm from hyper-realistic simulations. In a statement, the PSA argued, Current evidence does not show that these simulations reduce casualties or prevent incidents, while multiple studies demonstrate that they can cause lasting psychological harm across age groups.
The agency also cited inclement weather as a factor in the postponement, with the new date set for the first week of September. The rescheduled drill allowed DepEd to consolidate expert opinions and evidence-based practices, according to the agency. Schools were required to conduct capacity-building sessions for teachers, provide advance notice to parents, and secure written consent from learners. Special accommodations were mandated for students with disabilities or sensory needs, with alternatives offered to those opting out.
Stakeholder Reactions: Medical Groups and Educators
DepEd Sets September 3 School Safety Drill With Enhanced
The Philippine Psychiatric Association (PSA) reiterated its stance that school safety is best strengthened through measures that protect without causing trauma, advocating for locks, controlled entry points, and tabletop exercises instead of live drills. However, DepEd maintained that the revised protocol aligns with child-centered and trauma-informed standards, with Angara stating, “Bawat bata ay may kanya-kanyang antas ng katatagan at pang-unawa, kaya hindi pwedeng one-size-fits-all ang ating approach sa kaligtasan (Every child has their own level of resilience and understanding, which is why our approach to safety cannot be one-size-fits-all).” The PSA also urged schools to adopt tabletop exercises, which are discussion-based, and emphasized that participation should be inclusive, with accommodations for learners who have disabilities, sensory-processing needs, or prior trauma. Each school should conduct a needs assessment before developing and implementing drills, the PSA said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) involvement was limited to external perimeter security, with tactical disarming drills and aggressive uniform displays prohibited. Psychological first aid and post-drill debriefings were mandated, with referrals to mental health professionals for students requiring support. The drill’s signal was distinct from earthquake or fire alarms, ensuring clarity for participants. Schools must secure informed written parental consent and learner assent before participation. Learners who require accommodations, or whose parents request exemption, must be provided alternative safe activities without penalty or stigmatization. Students will undergo step-by-step walkthroughs of basic protective actions, including securing entry points, practicing silent concealment away from windows, and reviewing evacuation routes. Special arrangements will be made for learners with disabilities and sensory sensitivities.
Next Steps: Ongoing Evaluation and Implementation
DepEd postpones nationwide active shooter drill set for August
DepEd’s School Safety Contingency Plans now emphasize preventive planning, capacity building, and emergency response measures, with a focus on age-appropriate and trauma-informed execution. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe, secure, and resilient learning environments. Schools are required to review or update their contingency plans, with final versions shared with local governments, the PNP, and parent-teacher associations. The drill’s success will be evaluated through feedback from educators, parents, and mental health experts. Angara’s emphasis on total well-being underscores a shift in school safety strategies, balancing physical preparedness with psychological safeguards. As the first week of September approaches, the focus remains on implementing protocols that protect students without exacerbating trauma.
Additional Details from Source Material
The drill was conducted after the fatal shootings in Ateneo de Zamboanga University on August 18 and San Jose National High School on June 22. DepEd Undersecretary Malcolm Garma, Assistant Secretary Jocelyn Andaya, and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla attended the drill at Carlos F. Gonzales High School in Bulacan. The drill was rescheduled following consultations with the Philippine Psychiatric Association, the Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Philippine Pediatric Society. The consultations sought to ensure that safety protocols are aligned with child-centered and trauma-informed standards under DepEd’s “Do No Harm” directive. DepEd ordered schools to develop, review, or update their School Contingency Plan for Active Attack Incidents and share the final and approved plan with local government units, the PNP, and parent-teacher associations. Among the measures included in the plan are double-locking mechanisms and other classroom security measures, information and education materials, family reunification areas, safe rooms, and evacuation routes.
Under existing disaster risk reduction guidelines, the drill will prohibit hyper-realistic or fear-inducing elements, including threat simulations, active aggressor role-players, bladed or blunt weapons, firearms, pyrotechnics, simulated gunfire, and artificial casualties. The drill was conducted after the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PSA) and other groups urged DepEd to defer the activity, citing potential psychological harm. The PSA said schools could instead adopt tabletop exercises, which are discussion-based. The education department reminded schools that the drills should prioritize the safety and psychological well-being of learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel. It said the activities should be age-appropriate and trauma-informed, with emphasis on preparedness, protective actions, coordinated response, and post-incident recovery.
