Personnel from the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO), Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan Division and the Butuan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office led the National Simultaneous School Safety Drill on Thursday (Sept. 3) at the Butuan City School of Arts and Trade (BCSAT).
The nationwide drill, initiated by DepEd, aims to strengthen school security and emergency preparedness.
Its implementation involved local government units and partner agencies, including the Office of Civil Defense, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection and local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices.
“The drill is a proactive move to reinforce campus security and emergency preparedness,” said BCPO Director Col. Richie Yatar in a statement after the event.
He noted that the exercise centered on a comprehensive “Lockdown Drill Proper,” simulating active threat scenarios inside the BCSAT campus.
“The activity aimed to educate students and faculty on the critical ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ survival strategy during simulated threats,” Yatar added.
He also commended the active participation of students, faculty members and DepEd officials during the drill.
As lead evaluator in the post-drill review, Yatar stressed the importance of partnership between the PNP and the academic community to ensure swift and organized responses to potential security breaches.
Janine, 20, a BCSAT student who requested anonymity, expressed gratitude for the lessons learned.
“It’s my first time joining this kind of drill. It’s different from the earthquake drills I experienced in elementary and high school,” she said.
She added that security threats in schools pose a higher level of risk and require advanced exercises led by experts, particularly the PNP.
Donald, another BCSAT student, highlighted the importance of evacuation demonstrations.
“The emphasis on moving quickly but calmly during active threats is vital,” he said.
He noted that identifying exits in classrooms and other facilities was among the key takeaways.
“I am thankful to DepEd and the PNP for providing us vital knowledge on how to react and respond during emergencies,” Donald added.
Yatar emphasized that drills are essential to transform panic into practiced, life-saving responses.
“We are here not just to observe, but to help schools refine contingency plans so every student and teacher knows exactly what to do when every second counts,” he said. (PNA)
