PRO-6 pushes school emergency protocol across Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY — In a bid to further strengthen school security and safety awareness, the Police Regional Office 6 has directed police units in Western Visayas to maximize their participation in school flag ceremonies and other appropriate engagements to promote the “Get Out-Lock Out-Call Out” principle.

Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Western Visayas police chief, explained that the “Get Out” principle advises schools to evacuate when there is a safe way out and move away from danger.

“Lock Out” means securing the area, staying out of sight and remaining quiet when evacuation is unsafe.

“Call Out” means immediately alerting Unified 911, the nearest police unit or appropriate authorities once it is safe to do so and providing accurate information about the situation and location.

Tuaño said the protocol is meant to further intensify school safety efforts across Western Visayas by strengthening police engagement with schools and promoting simple, practical actions that students, teachers and school personnel can remember during an active threat or similar emergency.

He added that the initiative forms part of PRO-6’s layered approach to school safety, combining prevention, preparedness, police visibility, community engagement and close coordination with the Department of Education and other stakeholders.

Tuaño said police are also in continuing discussions with the Department of Education over the proposed use of transparent bags as an additional preventive measure in schools.

The proposal is being considered alongside other practical interventions intended to strengthen school security while maintaining an environment conducive to learning.

Tuaño emphasized that school safety requires both prevention and preparedness.

“We continue to explore measures that can prevent threats from reaching our schools, but preparedness is equally important. During the critical first moments of an emergency, our students, teachers, and school personnel should know what they can immediately do to protect themselves and call for help. The message should be simple, practical, and easy to remember—preparedness without creating fear,” Tuaño said.

He added that regular police participation in school flag ceremonies and other engagements provides an opportunity to reinforce safety awareness among students and teachers, rather than discussing emergency procedures only after an incident occurs.

PRO-6 also encouraged school officials, teachers, parents, students, barangay officials and other community partners to remain vigilant and promptly report threats, suspicious activities or other safety concerns to school authorities, the nearest police station or Unified 911.