Manila, Philippines — Pampanga first district Representative Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has called on Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs), the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Education to conduct simulation exercises and active shooter drills in schools to better prepare students and school personnel for emergency situations.
Lazatin’s appeal comes in the wake of a shooting incident at a public school in Tacloban City that left several individuals injured.
According to the lawmaker, similar preparedness programs were implemented in Angeles City from 2022 to 2025 during his tenure as mayor. He said the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, in coordination with the Angeles City Police Office, conducted a series of drills in elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities covering hostage situations and active mass shooting scenarios, alongside regular earthquake and fire drills.
Lazatin also urged local government units to allocate a portion of their Special Education Fund (SEF) toward strengthening security measures in public schools. He likewise called on school administrators and officials in Pampanga’s First District to remain vigilant in ensuring student safety and to enhance mechanisms addressing school bullying.
In addition, the congressman encouraged parents and guardians to save emergency hotline numbers on their children’s mobile phones to enable them to seek assistance immediately in times of crisis.
Lazatin expressed concern over the incident and reiterated the need for a united effort among government agencies, educational institutions, and communities to safeguard students.
He also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured and emphasized the importance of collective action in maintaining safe and secure learning environments for the country’s youth.