The Department of Education postponed its nationwide active-attack safety drills scheduled for August 25, 2026, moving them to the first week of September.
Psychiatric groups warned that high-intensity live-shooter simulations can cause lasting psychological harm to students, prompting the delay.
Bad weather and resulting class suspensions across several areas also contributed to the decision to pause and review the safety exercises.
THE Department of Education has put a pause on its nationwide active-attack safety drills scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. The decision comes after bad weather forced class suspensions in several areas and leading psychiatric groups warned that high-intensity shooter simulations could cause severe psychological harm to students.
DepEd announced Monday, Aug. 24, that the drills will now take place during the first week of September. The short delay gives the department time to gather expert opinions, study best practices, and make the safety exercises better for students and staff.
Psychiatrists warn against traumatic simulations
The Philippine Psychiatric Association and the Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry asked DepEd to delay the live-shooter simulations in a joint statement issued Saturday, Aug. 22. The medical experts warned that live-action drills can do more harm than good.
“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 groups said.
The organizations pointed to international research, including a 2025 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that raised serious concerns about high-intensity or deceptive drills. Another study 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 these types of simulations.
Safer ways to prepare for emergencies
Instead of full-scale live simulations, the psychiatric groups recommended discussion-based “tabletop exercises.” These allow teachers, school staff, and parents to walk through “what if” emergency scenarios without frightening students.
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 called for trauma-informed safety plans involving guidance counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, while also taking into account the needs of students with disabilities, sensory-processing needs, or past trauma.
To help shape future nationwide safety plans, the groups proposed creating a joint Mental Health Task Group made up of DepEd, the Department of Health, and specialty medical societies to collect local data.
Recent violence prompts nationwide action
DepEd originally mandated the Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill for Active Attack Incidents in an Aug. 12 memorandum following recent violent events on school grounds.
On June 22, a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City left three students dead and several others injured, with two minors identified as alleged suspects. Months later, on Aug. 18, another shooting took place at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City, where a Grade 9 student allegedly shot and killed a classmate before taking his own life, leaving two other students injured.
In response, DepEd directed all schools to create or update their School Contingency Plan for Active Attack Incidents. These plans include safe rooms, double-locking classroom doors, emergency evacuation routes, family reunification areas, and clear communication steps, all shared with local police, parent-teacher associations, and local governments.
What happens next
DepEd reassured the public that future drills will focus heavily on student safety and mental well-being. Activities will be age-appropriate and trauma-informed, emphasizing emergency preparedness, protective actions, and post-incident recovery.
With the drills now set for the first week of September, DepEd will use the extra time to review recommendations from mental health experts and strengthen its safety protocols across the country. TPM/CDF