School Active Shooting Prevention and Response in the USA: Toward Policy Integration in Philippine Educational Institutions

Abstract Three rare but tragic active shooter incidents in Philippine schools highlight the vital need for evidence-based prevention and response policies. Once seen as a U.S.-specific issue, school shootings are now an emerging concern in the Philippines. This study uses qualitative document analysis and thematic comparison to explore U.S. prevention strategies, behavioral threat assessment models, Child Access Prevention (CAP) firearm laws, and adaptable emergency response procedures for potential implementation in the Philippines. Findings show that reactive actions, such as target hardening and armed security, have limited effectiveness and may create restrictive, anxiety-inducing environments. In contrast, behavioral threat assessment, anonymous tip systems, and standardized crisis protocols (such as ALICE) are more effective at reducing casualties, identifying warning signs, and supporting safer campuses. The study recommends a policy integration plan for the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to shift from reactive to proactive strategies to prevent school active shootings.