DepEd delays nationwide school safety drill
The Department of Education (DepEd) has postponed the Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill for Active Attack Incidents, originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 25. In a statement on Monday, August 24, DepEd said the activity will be rescheduled to the first week of September 2026, though a specific date has yet to be announced.
DepEd explained that the additional time will allow the department to ensure the drill is fully aligned with recommendations from weather, disaster preparedness, child protection, and psychosocial support experts. The agency emphasized that preparedness measures should safeguard both the physical and psychological well-being of learners.
The rescheduled drill will be age-appropriate and trauma-informed, focusing on basic safety, communication, and recovery, while directing schools to avoid graphic or hyper-realistic simulations that could cause unnecessary fear among students.
Psychiatrists' call for deferral
The postponement came after the Philippine Psychiatric Association and the Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry urged the government to defer the drill in a joint statement dated August 22. The groups argued that current evidence does not show that such simulations reduce casualties or prevent incidents, and that multiple studies demonstrate they can cause lasting psychological harm across age groups.
The psychiatric groups recommended conducting tabletop exercises instead of full-scale live simulations. They also cited a 2025 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that raised concerns about high-intensity or deceptive drills. Additionally, a study they referenced found a 42 percent increase in language linked to stress and anxiety, as well as a 39 percent increase in depression-related language among school communities following such simulations.
The medical experts also urged schools to focus on basic physical safety measures, such as double-locking doors, securing perimeter fences, and controlling entry points. They proposed creating a joint Mental Health Task Group composed of DepEd, the Department of Health, and specialty medical societies to collect local data.
Background of the drill order
On August 12, DepEd ordered public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide to conduct the simultaneous safety drill for an active attack. The memorandum was issued following a deadly school shooting involving minors in Tacloban in June, and another shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University on August 18.
The Tacloban shooting occurred on June 22 at San Jose National High School, leaving three students dead and several others injured. Two minors were identified as alleged suspects. The Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting took place at its junior high school campus, where two students were killed—one of whom was the alleged shooter—and two others were injured.
Under the memorandum, schools were directed to create or update their School Contingency Plan for Active Attack Incidents and share the final plan with local government units, the Philippine National Police, and parent-teacher associations. The plans include safe rooms, double-locking classroom doors, emergency evacuation routes, family reunification areas, and clear communication steps.
Official statements
Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the suspension of the activity in a radio interview with DZMM on Monday, August 24. Angara said, "Nakikinig kami sa eksperto at nirerespeto namin ang kanilang pananaw, and definitely, i-incorporate natin ang comments nila" (We listen to experts and respect their views, and definitely, we will incorporate their comments). He added, "Wala namang mawawala sa atin kung mag-antay tayo ng [kaunting] panahon" (We won't lose anything if we wait a bit more).
DepEd noted that the postponement is also an opportunity to consolidate expert opinions and evidence-based practices to strengthen the activity. The department reminded schools that drills should prioritize the safety and psychological well-being of learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.