Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has called on Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Education (DepEd) to conduct active shooter simulation exercises in schools following the recent shooting incident in a public school in Tacloban City.
Cong Pogi said schools must be equipped with practical preparedness measures to help students and personnel respond effectively during emergency situations.
The congressman cited Angeles City’s implementation of active shooter and hostage crisis drills from 2022 to 2025 during his tenure as mayor. These exercises were conducted in elementary schools, high schools, colleges, and universities alongside regular earthquake and fire drills.
He also urged local government units to allocate a portion of their Special Education Fund (SEF) for school security and called on school administrators in Pampanga’s First District to strengthen campus safety measures and address bullying concerns.
In addition, Lazatin encouraged parents and guardians to save emergency hotline numbers on their children’s mobile phones to ensure immediate access to assistance during emergencies.
Cong Pogi expressed sadness over the incident and offered prayers for the recovery of those injured, stressing the need for government agencies, schools, and communities to work together in protecting students.
