FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has expressed his full support for the nationwide school safety drills to be held on August 25, 2026.
“Sinusuportahan natin ang direktiba ng Department of Education, kasunod na rin ng ilang insidente ng karahasan sa ating mga paaralan,” said Lazatin.
“Nakakalungkot at nakakabahala na ang mga sunod-sunod na insidente ng karahasan sa mga paaralan, at ang pagsasagawa ng nationwide drills ay isang mahalagang hakbang para matugunan ito,” he added.
On August 12, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued a memorandum directing all regional directors, schools division superintendents, and public and private elementary and secondary school heads to conduct a Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill for Active Attack Incidents on August 25, following a series of school violence incidents in various parts of the country since June this year.
“Ginawa din nila ito sa Thailand nitong buwan lang – immediately after a deadly shooting incident that happened on August 7 – they required schools to come up with security plans and conduct emergency response drills,” Lazatin said.
On June 24, Lazatin filed House Resolution No. 1150 urging all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities to conduct regular simulation exercises in all public and private elementary and high schools, colleges, and universities for active shooter and hostage-taking incidents.
Lazatin’s resolution was filed after the school shooting incident in San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which resulted in the deaths of three students.
“These incidents show that schools face both natural hazards and man-made emergencies that may threaten the safety and security of students,” Lazatin said.
“It is necessary that school staff, as well as students, are equipped with the knowledge and skills on safety protocols during life-threatening incidents,” he added.
It can be recalled that during Lazatin’s time as City Mayor, the Angeles LGU, through the Angeles DRRMO and Command Center and in coordination with the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), a series of drills in all elementary and high schools, colleges, and universities on hostage crisis and active mass shootings from 2022 to 2025.
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