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Community policing key to tackling insecurity across Nigeria – Sultan

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has advocated community policing as a key strategy for tackling insecurity across the country.

The Sultan said sustainable peace could only be achieved through collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

Represented by the Chiroman Kano, Alhaji Adamu Lamido Sanusi, the Sultan spoke on Wednesday at the Arewa Awareness Summit on Unity Against Insecurity, held at Arewa House, Kaduna.

He said community members, particularly youths, possess firsthand knowledge of their environment and should be actively involved in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

‘I personally believe in community policing. To fight crime, we have to work with the people,’ he said.

The monarch said he had consistently worked with imams, religious leaders, youth groups and other community stakeholders to promote peace and strengthen security in his domain.

‘I personally work with the imams, religious leaders, youth groups and other community stakeholders to address the challenges in my area, working to ensure peace and security in the community,’ he said.

He described intelligence gathering as indispensable in combating crime, noting that residents often have better knowledge of suspicious activities within their communities than outsiders.

‘The people in the community, especially the youth, are already in the community. They know the community and the areas better than anyone else. You are able to gather more information through collaboration with the community and through multiple agencies working together in the community,’ he said.

According to him, effective cooperation between communities and security agencies would significantly strengthen efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

‘So, this cooperation, this working together hand in hand, is highly important in fighting crime in our communities and in the country,’ he added.

The Sultan also commended the organisers of the summit, describing the initiative as a timely platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening partnerships to address insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

‘I commend this programme. It is a very good initiative to listen to, and I hope we will continue to listen and learn more from our key speakers,’ he said.

He said he attended the summit to learn from experts and deepen his understanding of emerging security issues.

‘I am really glad to be here at this programme, and I am looking forward to learning from the key speakers. I really wish to learn from them as part of my daily job,’ he said.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Arewa for Peace, Unity, Cohesion and Development Initiative (ACI), Dr Abdullahi Idris, said the summit was convened to develop practical solutions to insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

He said participants were expected to develop strategies that would strengthen dialogue between communities and the government while promoting collective action against insecurity.

Also speaking, Prof. Mohammed Tasiu Dan Sabo, who represented Prof. Ahmad Rufai, said military operations alone could not guarantee lasting peace.

‘There has to be a link between security, justice, governance and livelihoods,’ he said, stressing that ‘lasting peace cannot be achieved through military operations alone.’

The one-day summit brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, religious leaders, academics, civil society organisations and youth groups to deliberate on practical approaches to addressing insecurity across the North.

Lawmakers seek to cut VAT on system loss charge in power bills

Lawmakers filed measures seeking to cut the value-added tax (VAT) collected on the unpopular system loss charge in power bills, in a move aimed at easing what is widely seen as a burdensome levy.

Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez and Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, who heads the House ways and means committee, filed on Tuesday House Bill No. 10602, which seeks to exempt consumers from paying 12% VAT for electricity lost during delivery.

‘Removing the VAT on system loss charges is a straightforward way of lowering electricity bills today,’ Quimbo said in a statement on Wednesday. ‘As Congress continues to fine-tune longer-term reforms, we can already correct on clear inequity: consumers should not be taxed on electricity they never actually consumed.’

The proposal to ease charges in power bills comes after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. urged Congress to explore ways to make electricity cheaper, including scrapping the system loss fee – a charge on the difference between electricity produced and consumed paid for by end-users – and its accompanying tax.

Electricity bills in the Philippines carry multiple charges, from generation and transmission to levies subsidizing green energy projects. The add-ons have fueled discontent among Filipinos, with sentiment that they are being charged indiscriminately.

Hernandez and Quimbo said in the bill’s note that ‘consumers have no control over system losses, yet they are made to bear not only the cost of such losses but also the tax imposed on them.’

They said that taxing consumers on system loss ‘runs contrary’ to the principle that VAT should only apply to goods and services they directly benefit from. ‘Imposing VAT on such products effectively taxes consumers on electricity they never actually consumed.’

‘VAT-free electricity’

Also on Tuesday, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco filed a broader measure seeking to exempt households consuming less than 400 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity a month from VAT on power bills.

In House Bill No. 10548, he said expanding the tax cut to cover entire power bills would help households free up more of their budget for essentials such as food, education, transportation and healthcare.

‘Electricity is not a luxury – it is a basic necessity. Every peso a family saves on its electricity bill is another peso they can use to put food on the table, buy medicines, pay for school expenses, or simply make ends meet,’ he said in a separate Wednesday statement.

The government already runs a ‘Lifeline Program’ for indigent Filipinos granting sweeping discounts to households below certain consumption thresholds. In Metro Manila, those using less than 50 kwH a month pay no electricity, while those consuming 71 to 100 kWh get a 20 percent discount.

Tiangco said his bill acknowledges the subsidized electricity program for indigents, though noted that ‘many middle-income Filipino families have been left to absorb the steady increase in electricity costs despite facing the same economic pressures.’

Camidoh, Oseikrom Sikanii, Sista Afia, Others Dominate Global Streaming Charts

Leading Ghanaian artistes are recording massive numbers on global streaming platforms, with several of them crossing major milestones in 2026, according to data from Chart Ghana.

The latest streaming figures show a strong presence of Ghanaian music across all major Digital Service Providers (DSPs), with both established and emerging acts making significant gains.

Camidoh has crossed 20 million global streams on YouTube in 2026, ranking him 11th most-streamed Ghanaian artiste on the platform so far this year.

Award-winning singer Wendy Shay has also crossed 400 million global streams across all major DSPs. She currently ranks as the 19th most-streamed Ghanaian artiste globally of all time.

Music duo DopeNation have now surpassed 200 million global streams across all major DSPs. The feat places them as the 34th most-streamed Ghanaian artistes globally of all time.

Rapper Oseikrom Sikanii joins the 100 million club as well, with over 100 million global streams across all major DSPs. He is ranked 46th most-streamed Ghanaian artiste globally of all time.

Sista Afia has also hit a new high with over 100 million global streams across all major DSPs, making her the 47th most-streamed Ghanaian artiste globally of all time.

On the 2026 charts, KiDi has surpassed 80 million global streams across all major DSPs so far this year, placing him at No. 18 among the most-streamed Ghanaian artistes globally in 2026.

R2Bees have recorded over 70 million global streams across all credits on Spotify in 2026, making them the 6th most-streamed Ghanaian artistes on the platform this year.

Dancehall star Stonebwoy has also pulled strong numbers on Audiomack, surpassing 50 million global streams on the platform in 2026. He is currently the 5th most-streamed Ghanaian artiste on Audiomack this year.

Industry watchers say the numbers reflect the growing international appeal of Ghanaian music and the impact of digital distribution in pushing local sounds to global audiences.

Angat Dam water level improves, but still below normal

Rains dumped by Tropical Depression Luis and the southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’ helped elevate Angat Dam’s water level by 7 meters as of Wednesday, August 5.

The reservoir in Norzagaray, Bulacan, however, is still below its 160-meter critical water level and normal high-water elevation of 212 masl.

At 2:00 p.m., the dam;s water level was measured at 157.09 meters above sea level (masl) due to continuous rains that began last weekend.

Angat Dam recorded its historic lowest level on July 25 at 150.61 masl. On July 30 it climbed to155.05 masl.

In 2010, Angat dam levels dipped to 157 masl due to the El Nino phenomenon

Death for two, life imprisonment for seven in Susan Magara murder case

Justice has finally caught up with the nine people behind one of Uganda’s most chilling ransom killings after the High Court sentenced two of them to death and ordered seven others to spend the rest of their natural lives in prison for the 2018 kidnap and murder of businesswoman Susan Magara.

In a judgment that closed an eight-year legal battle, High Court judge Alex Ajiji on Wednesday handed down the ultimate punishment to Buvumbo Musa Abbas and Hajara Nakandi, describing them as the principal actors in a meticulously planned, brutal and financially motivated crime that shocked the country.

“A4 (Nakandi) and A9 (Buvumbo) played the most excruciating role in this case, and I sentence them to death,” Justice Ajiji ruled.

The judge found that Buvumbo personally participated in kidnapping Magara, amputating two of her fingers, injecting her with a fatal overdose of ketamine, suffocating her and ultimately causing her death.

Nakandi, the court held that she guarded the victim throughout her captivity before deciding she had to be killed because she had spent enough time with her captors to identify them to investigators.

“The convicts planned and executed two of the most heinous crimes, which all attract the maximum penalty of death. The offences were brutal, calculated, premeditated and callous. It was a senseless killing even after receiving the negotiated ransom sum,” Justice Ajiji said.

Describing the case as “one of the rarest of the rare”, that deserves death by hanging, the judge said Magara endured prolonged mental and psychological torture during captivity before being mutilated, suffocated and her body dumped at Kitiko-Birongo along the Entebbe Expressway.

“The actions were cruel, callous and motivated by financial gain,” he added.

The seven other convicts-Yusuf Lubega, Hussein Wasswa, Muzamiru Ssali, Abubaker Kyewolwa, Mahad Kisalita, Hassan Miiro Kato and Ismail Bukenya-were sentenced to life imprisonment after the court found they played indispensable roles in the execution of the crime.

Justice Ajiji detailed how each contributed to the kidnapping and murder.

Bukenya, an imam at a makeshift mosque in Usafi Market, hosted planning meetings and controlled the ransom proceeds; Kyewolwa collected the ransom money from Magara’s family; Lubega drove the vehicles used during the kidnapping operation, while Kato and his twin brother Wasswa, and Ssali guarded the premises where Magara was held captive.

Court cites extreme brutality

In determining the sentences, the court relied on Guideline 20 of the Constitution (Sentencing Guidelines) 2013, identifying several aggravating factors that justified the harsh punishments.

Among them were the meticulous planning of the kidnapping and murder, the highly organised nature of the operation, the extreme brutality inflicted on the victim, and the financial motive behind the crime.

Justice Ajiji also cited the cutting off of Magara’s fingers while she was still alive, the administration of ketamine, suffocation with a polythene bag, the emotional trauma inflicted on her family, the financial loss of about 200,000 US dollars (approximately Shs700 million), and the damage the crime caused to public confidence in security.

“The offences were committed with exceptional cruelty and complete disregard for the sanctity of human life,” the judge observed.

Judge orders confiscation of proceeds of crime

Beyond the prison sentences, the court ordered the confiscation of properties and vehicles acquired using the ransom money and directed that they be sold to compensate Magara’s family.

The assets include three acres of land in Buikwe purchased for Shs140 million, an acre of land in Luweero and several motor vehicles.

Justice Ajiji also ordered the forfeiture of three vehicles used in surveilling Magara, executing the kidnapping and transporting her body for disposal.

“The confiscation order is intended to deprive the convicts of the proceeds of their crime,” he ruled.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions welcomed the sentences, saying they reflected the gravity of the offences.

“We are very appreciative of the sentence that has been delivered today. We believe justice has been served,” prosecutor Irene Nankibungwe said shortly after the judgment.

The sentencing came two days after Justice Ajiji convicted all nine accused of kidnapping and murdering Magara, concluding one of the country’s longest-running and most closely watched criminal trials.

The judge reserved sentencing until Wednesday

During the mitigation process on Monday, one of Magara’s aunties asked the court to hand the killers the death penalty on grounds that the gruesome murder took away the life of a very resourceful person and that they still mourn her brutal murder.

A crime that horrified the nation

Court heard that on February 7, 2018, Magara was abducted outside her home in Lungujja while speaking on the phone to her friend, Yusuf Muhindo.

Muhindo testified that he heard a struggle before Magara screamed in Luganda, “Temunkuba” (“Don’t beat me”), followed by the voices of two men before the call abruptly ended.

Justice Ajiji said the evidence, coupled with Magara’s abandoned Toyota RAV4 that was found with its engine still running and her mobile phones left inside, proved beyond reasonable doubt that she had been forcibly abducted.

The following day, the kidnappers demanded one million US dollars before eventually agreeing to accept 200,000 US dollars after negotiations with the family.

Although the family delivered the money at Kanaaba in Ndejje on February 23, 2018, Magara was never released.

Instead, her body was discovered four days later at Kitoko-Birongo.

A postmortem examination established that she died from asphyxia caused by manual strangulation.

Perhaps the most disturbing evidence presented during the trial was a package delivered to Magara’s family on February 19, containing two of her severed fingers and a flash disk with a video in which she tearfully pleaded with her father to pay the ransom.

Justice Ajiji said forensic evidence confirmed Magara was alive when her fingers were amputated, underscoring the extreme torture she endured before her death.

The kidnapping sparked national outrage and prompted President Museveni to personally intervene, but despite the payment of more than Shs700 million, the kidnappers killed Magara, making the case one of Uganda’s most infamous ransom murders.

Wednesday’s sentencing also marked the final case handled by Justice Ajiji before his retirement from the Judiciary after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65.

All the convicts have up to 14 days to appeal both the conviction and sentence before the Court of Appeal.

UTILITY

-Nakandi Hajjara (Death), provided a house, kept guard, and made the decision to kill Magara, reasoning she had identified them.

-Buvumbo Musa Abbas (Death), carried out the cutting of fingers and injecting ketamine and suffocating Magara to death with a kaveera.

-Bukenya Ismail (Life), Imam of the makeshift mosque in Usafi market where the planning happened and controlled ransom money

-Kato Hassan Miiro (Life), kept guard of the premises where Magara was kept

-Wasswa Hussein (Life), kept guard of the premises where Magara was kept

-Ssali Muzamir (Life), kept guard of the premises where Magara was kept

-Kyewolwa Abubaker (Life), collected the ransom money

-Lubega Yusuf (Life), actively participated as driver during kidnap

-Mahad Kisalita (Life).

Ghana Police Band To Perform At Notting Hill, Boston Carnivals

The Ghana Police Band has been invited by the World Carnival Commission (WCC) to represent Ghana at two major international cultural celebrations – the Notting Hill Carnival in the United Kingdom and Boston Caribbean Carnival in the United States, as part of efforts to promote cultural exchange and the country’s rich musical heritage.

The invitation, contained in a statement issued by the World Carnival Commission, recognises Ghana’s contribution to global African and Caribbean cultural conversations and the country’s long-standing reputation for music, rhythm, and artistic excellence.

It said the Notting Hill Carnival is scheduled for August 28 to 31, 2026, in West London, while the Boston Caribbean Carnival will run from August 23 to 29, 2026, with the grand parade and concert forming part of a week-long series of activities.

The participation of the Ghana Police Band will provide an opportunity for the group to showcase Ghanaian discipline, creativity, and musical traditions on two of the world’s most celebrated carnival platforms.

WCC, in the statement, noted that the two events go beyond celebrations, but described them as symbols of resilience, identity, remembrance, and unity among African and Caribbean communities across the world.

Beyond its celebration of soca, calypso, reggae, and steelpan music, the carnival has become a major platform for preserving Caribbean traditions while supporting local businesses, artists, costume designers, and cultural entrepreneurs.

The week-long event features cultural showcases, youth steelpan competitions, pageants, and a grand parade and concert at Franklin Park in Dorchester. It provides an avenue for younger generations of Caribbean-Americans to connect with their heritage through music, dance, and history.

The WCC believes Ghana’s participation will further strengthen cultural ties between Africa, the Caribbean, and their global diaspora communities, demonstrating the power of music and culture as tools for unity and shared identity.

The Notting Hill Carnival, which began in 1966 among London’s Caribbean communities, particularly those from Trinidad, Jamaica, and Barbados, emerged during a period of racial tension in Britain. Over the years, it has grown into Europe’s largest street festival, attracting millions of people from diverse backgrounds annually.

The WCC further stated that the Boston Caribbean Carnival serves as a major celebration of Caribbean identity in the United States, bringing together communities from countries including Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Cape Verde.

Reps committee chair backs massive FG funding for Cross River landslide

As devastating landslides and flooding continue to wreak havoc in Cross River State, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disaster Management and Preparedness, Rt Hon Joseph Bassey, has called for urgent federal and international emergency intervention, warning that the scale of destruction has outstripped the state’s capacity to respond.

Bassey, who represents Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, said the National Assembly would push for increased funding and coordinated emergency assistance, stressing that the disaster requires a national response rather than leaving the burden on the Cross River State Government alone.

Speaking with journalists in Calabar, the lawmaker said his committee had anticipated heightened flood and landslide risks following climate forecasts and had taken proactive steps before the disasters struck.

‘We had early warning that Cross River would experience serious rainfall and flooding, but what we are witnessing is even beyond what we expected. The magnitude of the landslide is unprecedented,’ he said.

According to him, his committee had formally notified the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), prompting the agency to undertake disaster risk assessment and simulation exercises in the state.

He disclosed that NEMA officials recently visited Cross River to identify vulnerable locations, conduct emergency preparedness simulations and educate residents on disaster response.

Bassey commended Governor Bassey Otu for responding swiftly to the crisis, noting that the governor personally inspected affected communities despite the heavy rainfall and immediately initiated remedial measures.

‘The governor has been proactive. He went to inspect the affected areas under the rain and has commenced immediate remedial work to reduce the impact of the landslides,’ he said.

He attributed the recurring disasters partly to the state’s high rainfall pattern, noting that the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway with reinforced concrete reflects the unique environmental challenges of the region.

Bassey also revealed that the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Rt Hon Mike Etaba, had engaged the Federal Ministry of Environment to complement ongoing interventions in the state.

He maintained that the scale of destruction requires support beyond the state government, saying, ‘I don’t think anywhere in Nigeria has experienced a landslide of this magnitude.’

The federal lawmaker added that efforts were underway to attract assistance from international development partners while identifying other high-risk communities where residents may need to relocate for safety.

While expressing condolences to families that lost loved ones, the lawmaker stressed that preventing future occurrences must remain a priority.

He urged residents in flood- and landslide-prone communities to heed evacuation advisories and participate in disaster preparedness programmes, stressing that public awareness and emergency response skills are critical to reducing casualties.

‘We are creating awareness because many people do not realise that these areas are highly vulnerable to landslides. Life is more important than remaining in high-risk locations,’ he said.

Bassey further expressed optimism that more resources would be allocated to disaster management during the implementation of the 2026 federal budget, expected to commence in September.

He said increased funding would ease the financial burden on the Cross River State Government and strengthen measures aimed at mitigating the impact of future disasters.

Police insist case on Ajiran murders must run its course

The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed that the criminal case involving Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Lagos, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, over the Ajiran murders remains before a court of competent jurisdiction and must be allowed to run its full course, free of media trial.

The position was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Ani Iniedu, responding to weeks of public commentary by social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), against AIG Jimoh over the matter.

The statement said the case had been investigated by police and is now before the court, following advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Being sub judice, it said, adjudication rests solely with the judiciary, and the Force would not try the matter in the media or allow public campaigns to prejudge the parties involved.

The statement also said the AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) had invited AIG Jimoh for questioning over allegations raised against him, in line with the Force’s internal accountability process.

It said the FCID Abuja had, on July 30, formally invited Otse to appear at its office to substantiate his public claims.

CSP Iniedu said discipline within the Force is governed by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations and Force Orders, applied uniformly regardless of rank.

While affirming Nigerians’ constitutional right to free expression and to demand institutional accountability, the Force said this did not extend to defamation or amplifying unsubstantiated allegations to force disciplinary outcomes outside due process.

‘Allegations must be formally submitted, investigated and objectively assessed. Any officer found culpable following investigation will face sanctions in accordance with the law,’ the statement read, adding that the Force reserved the right to pursue legal remedies where allegations are found to be false and calculated to damage an officer’s or the institution’s reputation.

The Force urged Otse to honour the FCID invitation and engage the administrative review in good faith, saying grievances against officers are best resolved through established complaint and oversight channels rather than public campaigns.

AIG Jimoh, breaking his silence on the allegations for the first time last week, said he would not engage his accuser on social media over a matter pending in court, and advised anyone with evidence of professional misconduct or corruption against him to submit it to the court, or hand them over to the suspect’s lawyers to tender as evidence.

Pay rise will boost troops’ morale, say senators, Defence minister

Salary increase will boost troops’ morale, senators Ahmad Lawan, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua and Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa said last night.

Lawan chairs the Senate Committee on Defence. Yar’Adua is the Senate Committee Chairman on Army, Navy and Air Force.

They were reacting to the 30 and 80 per cent increases in the salaries of military personnel approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as announced in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

The President approved the upward adjustments for the 250, 000 personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces. The enhanced remuneration package is aimed at boosting the welfare and morale of troops.

The new salary structure will see officers above the rank of Colonel receive a 30 per cent salary increase, while personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increment.

Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest increase. They will get 80 per cent.

The approval will raise the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.

Onanuga said in the statement that the salary review underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in safeguarding the country.

The President noted that members of the Armed Forces have continued to display courage and dedication in confronting banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats across the country.

‘The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation’, the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.

He assured that his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare while strengthening the operational capacity of the military through improved equipment and technology.

‘Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,’ the President stated.

Tinubu stressed that security remains central to national development, saying no country can attain sustainable progress without guaranteeing the safety of its citizens.

‘Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,’ he said.

The President urged military personnel to see the enhanced remuneration as a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for their service and commitment.

‘I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,’ Tinubu added.

DepEd preparing master plan for AI in schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing a master plan to ensure teachers and learners are ready for the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools, according to Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

In an interview with The STAR’s ‘Truth On The Line’ last Monday, Angara said the AI master plan is part of President Marcos’ directive in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to equip Filipinos with the skills needed for emerging technologies.

‘We are in the process of really coming up with a master plan. The master plan involves all our teachers being conversant with AI. And once they’re conversant, they will be able to teach AI. So, as the President said in his SONA, 1.8 million of our students and the teachers have learned the basics of AI,’ Angara said.

The DepEd is also tapping the private sector to strengthen the digital literacy of teachers and students.

According to Angara, private partners such as Khan Academy and Ayala Foundation will be providing advanced AI tools at lower costs or even for free.

‘They gave us their AI for free for teachers. On the part of DepEd, we have to push our teachers to really utilize these free technologies. Otherwise, it’s a waste,’ he said.

Acknowledging resistance from some teachers’ groups on the use of AI, Angara maintained that AI should be seen as a tool that supports, rather than replaces, educators.

‘They don’t want to turn on the AI. Because when you turn on the AI, you’re monitoring the use of the teacher. And sometimes, the role of the teacher also has to evolve. Unlike before, where the teacher is like an oracle. It means that all the information, all the knowledge, passes through him,’ he said.

‘Now, the world is not like that anymore. Everything humanity knows is practically online already. So, the teacher is more of a facilitator or a gatekeeper,’ he added. ‘They feel that they’re losing control in a way. But I don’t think they should see it that way. I think they should see it as a way that their life is being life-enhancing. These technologies are life-enhancing.’

ARAL funds

In a separate engagement, Angara has also asked Congress to allocate a separate budget to fund the compensation of DepEd teachers serving as tutors under the ARAL Program, citing the need for clear legal authority and corresponding budget cover.

In his letter to congressional education leaders, Angara said DepEd had studied possible compensation options, with initial estimates showing that a uniform-rate scheme would require around P4.307 billion, while a prime hourly teaching rate-based approach would require at least P7.266 billion.

He cited the vital role of teachers in implementing ARAL, which provides targeted learning recovery support to learners who need additional help in reading, mathematics and other foundational competencies.

Angara said that under Republic Act 12028, or the ARAL Law, and the Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Act, compensation for DepEd teachers serving as ARAL tutors may only be provided in accordance with existing legal and budgetary provisions.

He added that it authorizes compensation for DepEd teachers in the form of overload pay after they have rendered the prescribed six hours of actual classroom teaching.

The FY 2026 budget also does not provide a separate appropriation for ARAL tutor compensation regardless of teaching load, apart from existing allocations for overload pay and the engagement of external tutors.

‘The DepEd position is clear: we want to support and recognize the additional work of our teachers in the ARAL program. But we also need to comply with the law and the funds provided to us. We will provide compensation if there is a clear legal basis and sufficient budget for it,’ Angara said.

He vowed to continue working with Congress, the Department of Budget and Management and other concerned agencies to strengthen ARAL implementation, ensure compliance with the law and the national budget.

‘We will not abandon children who need extra help in learning, nor will we neglect the welfare of teachers who help them. What is needed is a sound policy, clear guidelines, and sufficient funding to make implementation sustainable and equitable,’ he said.