By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has intensified its simulation exercises in various schools in the city to enhance the safety and preparedness of students and teaching staff during emergencies.

BCPO spokesperson Police Captain Liberty Indiape said the exercises were conducted in several elementary schools last week under the leadership of BCPO Director Colonel Eugene Rebadomia and Police Lt. Colonel Lester Leada, deputy city director for administration.

Indiape said the drills aimed to assess and strengthen the operational preparedness, tactical competence and emergency response capabilities of police personnel, students, teachers, school staff, and the community.

She said the simulations were designed to improve participants’ ability to respond to active threats and other emergency situations through realistic crisis scenarios while promoting a coordinated response among all stakeholders.

A key component of the activity was a briefing and orientation for students, teachers and school personnel, Indiape said.

She said the session equipped participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond appropriately during emergencies, enabling them to make sound decisions and take the necessary actions in the event of a critical incident.

Indiape also encouraged students, teachers and other members of the school community to immediately dial 911 during emergencies requiring police assistance or other emergency services to ensure the prompt reporting of incidents and a timely response from the appropriate authorities./MAP, WDJ