BERNOS BACKS ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILLS IN SCHOOLS

Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos backed the conduct of active shooter simulation drills in schools across the country, which he said would equip students and school staff with the required know-how in the event of another shooting.

“We support the conduct of active shooter simulation drills in our schools, which is now unfortunately necessary in light of the recent school shooting in Tacloban. We cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is for students and staff to know how to respond if another shooting occurs,” Bernos, a vice chair of the House committee on public order and safety said.

“Drills work. Nakita na natin ito sa ilang mga nagdaang lindol na maraming estudyante ang nailayo sa kapahamakan dahil sa kaalamang naibabahagi sa mga earthquake drill,” he added.

The Department of Education earlier announced the conduct of the said drills in schools, which would focus on survival actions during a gun attack.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. later on added that police would be joining the drills.

Nartatez also revealed that nearby campuses will now be incorporated by police into their daily beat patrols, and that police presence during Monday flag-raising ceremonies is expected. The PNP women and children protection desk will also support school programs centered on guidance counseling and the establishment of anti-bullying desks, the PNP chief also said.

Bernos lauded the PNP for their efforts to help ensure safety in schools after the June 22 attack, where two Grade 9 shooters aged 14 and 15 opened fire inside a Tacloban school, killing three students and injuring 20 others.

The lawmaker had earlier called for greater police visibility and stronger security measures to deter crimes near and in schools in the aftermath of the shooting.

“We thank the PNP for responding immediately to the call of the times and being partners in maintaining public order and safety. I hope that their actions will go a long way towards deterring the occurrence of crime in our schools which are and should remain as sanctuaries of peace and learning for our youth,” said Bernos.