THE Police Regional Office in Western Visayas has assured that it will continuously strengthen its coordination with local government units, education officials, emergency responders, and other partner agencies across the region in a bid to beef up school safety and emergency preparedness.
In a statement, Western Visayas police director Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said that from August 14 to 20, 2026, PRO6 led eight simulation exercises (Simex) in schools across the region as part of its intensified public safety and preventive measures under Oplan Balik-Eskwela School Year 2026–2027.
The exercises covered three active-shooter scenarios, three bomb-threat scenarios, one stabbing incident, and one hostage-taking incident.
These activities were conducted in coordination with school administrators, force multipliers, and other concerned agencies to enhance awareness and preparedness, strengthen security readiness, and improve emergency response capabilities within school premises.
In Iloilo City, the Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) and its partner agencies are preparing for a school safety simulation exercise on August 24 at Tiu Cho Teg–Ana Ros Foundation Integrated School.
Tuaño clarified that these Simex exercises are not an indication of any specific or imminent threat to schools in the region, noting that such activities aim to test existing procedures, identify areas for improvement, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and enhance the capability of concerned agencies to respond effectively during emergencies.
“Our objective is preparedness, not alarm. We want our schools and responding agencies to know their roles and be able to act quickly, calmly, and in coordination should an emergency occur. The safety of our students, teachers, and school personnel will always be a priority,” he said.
The Department of Education earlier ordered schools to develop, review, or update their School Contingency Plan for Active Attack Incidents and share the final and approved plan with their respective local government unit, the PNP, and parent-teacher association.
Among the measures included in the plan are the following:
double-locking mechanisms and other classroom security measures
information and education materials
family reunification areas
safe rooms and evacuation routes
emergency communication procedures
The education department reminded schools that the drill should prioritize the safety and psychological well-being of learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel, noting that it should be age-appropriate and trauma-informed, with emphasis on preparedness, protective actions, coordinated response, and post-incident recovery.
The order came following the shooting at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, perpetrated by two minor students, resulting in the death of three learners.
Last week, another shooting transpired at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, which resulted in the killing of two students, one of whom was the minor gunman. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)