FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – In the wake of the tragic shooting incident in a public school in Tacloban City, Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. is calling on Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Education (DepEd) to conduct simulation exercises and drills to prepare students on how to react in such incidents.
“We did the same in Angeles City from 2022 to 2025, during our time as City Mayor, and we ordered the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Angeles City Police Office to prepare a series of drills in all elementary and high schools, colleges, and universities on hostage crisis and active mass shootings, alongside earthquake and fire drills,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin also called on Local Government Units to use a portion of the Special Education Fund (SEF) for the security of all public schools, and on school administrators and officials in the First District of Pampanga to exercise utmost vigilance in securing the safety of students and to activate mechanisms to address issues of school bullying.
Likewise, Lazatin encourages parents and guardians to ensure that emergency hotlines are saved in their children’s phones, so that they may immediately call for help when necessary.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we are praying for the speedy recovery of all the injured,” Lazatin said.
“Now, more than ever, our government and community must stand and unite together to protect our children,” he added.
