Philippine Schools Conduct First Active Shooter Drill at Manila Science High School

The Department of Education held its first active shooter drill on July 15 at Manila Science High School in Manila. Over 1,700 students from Grades 7 to 12 and teachers followed the run-hide-fight protocol while an individual posing as a shooter entered the campus. Police officers assisted participants and simulated the apprehension of the assailant.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara told reporters that the department would repeat the drills regularly. The exercise followed a June 22 shooting in Tacloban City that killed three students and wounded 20 others. Rappler reported that some students described the drill as unusual and shocking because school shootings remain virtually unheard of in the Philippines.

Seventeen-year-old student Raya Pechayco said continuous monitoring of mental health and communication with students can create a healthy and safe school environment. Angara stated that the department has a limited budget at present but plans to request additional funding in 2027 for security guards and metal detectors.

He also said the agency intends to hire 10,000 school counselor associates once the Department of Budget and Management grants approval.