DepEd-6 tests active shooter response in Iloilo

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — The Department of Education Regional Office VI conducted an active shooter simulation Monday, Aug. 3, to strengthen its personnel’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities during security incidents.

The activity was held at the regional office along Duran Street in Iloilo City as part of the Orientation on Active Shooter Incident Awareness, Response, and Simulation Exercise.

The Education Support Services Division’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit conducted the exercise under the Disaster Resilience Pillar of the ECo Champions Program.

Participants attended an orientation on active shooter awareness and emergency response procedures.

The orientation covered communication protocols, lockdown and evacuation procedures, the incident command system, and accountability mechanisms.

Personnel also practiced the “Run, Hide, Fight” strategy to improve workplace safety during critical incidents.

The simulation highlighted the importance of coordination among agencies during emergencies.

Law enforcement personnel, including members of the Special Weapons and Tactics and Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, demonstrated tactical response procedures.

Emergency medical responders also practiced casualty management protocols during the exercise.

An after-action review followed the simulation.

The review allowed DepEd personnel and partner agencies to assess the exercise, identify best practices, and discuss ways to improve emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.

DepEd Regional Office VI said the exercise reflected its commitment to fostering a culture of safety, preparedness, and resilience through continuous capacity-building activities for its personnel.

The activity also formed part of the department’s broader efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and security protocols across its offices and schools.

The simulation followed heightened concern over campus security after a fatal school shooting in Tacloban City in June prompted DepEd to review and reinforce school safety and crisis response measures.