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Angara proposes inter-agency task force after Cotabato school shooting

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has proposed establishing a Joint School Safety Task Force alongside the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct site-specific security audits across public schools nationwide.

The proposal comes in response to a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. following a deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, marking the third fatal campus shooting in the country over the last three months.

President Marcos instructed the Department of Education (DepEd), DILG, and PNP to submit a comprehensive assessment report recommending concrete policy measures to prevent future campus violence.

‘We cannot accept school shootings as a normal part of our children’s lives. Our children have the right to study without fear. Parents have the right to send them to school knowing they will come home safe. This is our responsibility to every Filipino family,’ President Marcos said in a statement.

Angara, who personally visited Banga National High School on Saturday, stated that DepEd will collaborate with partner agencies to review existing security measures and address lingering safety gaps.

‘This operational framework is not intended to create another permanent bureaucracy, but rather to bring the agencies together to assess specific risks, identify gaps, and recommend concrete interventions,’ Angara said.

The proposed task force will evaluate critical campus security areas, including physical access control, threat reporting mechanisms, emergency response protocols, and coordination with local law enforcement. Findings will be used to implement actionable safety measures across school, division, regional, and national levels.

In addition to safety audits, DepEd is coordinating with the PNP to investigate how the firearm was accessed and brought into the school. DepEd stated it will await the official investigation results before taking administrative action under agency rules, while deferring to law enforcement regarding potential violations of firearm laws.

DepEd is also prioritizing mental health support, deploying specialized teams and field personnel to Banga National High School to provide immediate psychological first aid to affected students, personnel, and families.

‘My heartfelt condolences go out to the families who lost their loved ones. No parent should have to experience this kind of pain, and no child should ever be afraid to go to school,’ Angara said.

‘We also extend our sympathies to the entire Banga National High School community. Our immediate priority is to support the affected learners, families, and school personnel, including delivering the necessary medical and psychosocial assistance,’ he added.

Miners’ death: New NSCDC Commandant assumes duty in Niger

The newly redeployed State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, Commandant A.S. Kabara, has assumed duty, taking over the leadership of the command from suspended Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.

The development was contained in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Muti.

Kabara assumed office amid heightened concern following the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in Minna.

The new commandant expressed sadness over the incident and sympathised with the families of the deceased and others affected by the tragedy.

He said while the Corps remained committed to its statutory responsibilities of arrest, investigation, enforcement and combating illegal mining, the sanctity of human life must remain paramount.

‘At a moment like this, beyond arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, we must remember one fundamental truth: every human life matters. The loss of any human life is painful, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are mourning at this difficult time,’ he said.

Kabara stressed that protecting society and enforcing the law must go hand in hand with upholding the dignity, safety and welfare of persons in custody.

FirstEase: How FirstBank is making big-ticket purchases, everyday bills easier

For many Nigerians, buying a new smartphone, laptop, television, refrigerator or other essential household appliance can become a difficult financial decision, particularly when the full cost has to be paid at once. The same challenge can arise when an unexpected electricity, data, cable or other bill arrives at a time when available cash is limited.

This is the gap that FirstEase, FirstBank’s response to the emerging Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) phenomenon, is designed to address, giving eligible customers the opportunity to access selected products and services while spreading repayment over time.

FirstEase is a digital lending solution that allows customers to shop, pay bills and split payments over an agreed period. The offer is built around two major channels: FirstEase for e-commerce purchases and FirstEase for bill payments.

The product is particularly relevant to salary earners and other eligible customers seeking more flexible ways to manage purchases. FirstEase allows customers to shop and pay bills through digital channels and approved merchant platforms without the need to visit a physical banking hall.

From gadgets to household appliances

One of the most practical applications of FirstEase is its e-commerce offering. Customers can purchase eligible products through participating FirstBank partner merchants and pay for them through an instalment arrangement rather than funding the entire purchase immediately.

Some of the partner e-commerce platforms and merchants include Ringaz, Chamuze, Pointek, Webuyam, Electromall, Uwana Energy and the partnership with Klump who have aggregated Merchants like Jumia, Konga and ShopAhome.

Categories such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, sporting equipment, gadgets and other household essentials are examples of products available through partner merchants.

This means a customer who needs a device for work, a television for the home or an appliance that cannot be postponed can consider a structured payment option instead of waiting until the entire purchase price is saved.

For e-commerce purchases, customers make a minimum 30 per cent equity contribution, while the balance is financed through FirstEase. The e-commerce facility has a tenor of up to six months, with monthly repayment scheduled around the customer’s payday. The maximum loan amount is ?1 million.

Beyond shopping: paying bills with FirstEase

FirstEase is not limited to shopping. The bills payment variant allows eligible customers to access financing at the point of paying bills through FirstMobile and LIT App. On the mobile apps, customers select a biller, enter the required details and toggle switch the FirstEase feature before completing the transaction.

Bills such as electricity, data, cable, airtime and related services are among the uses covered by the bill-payment offering.

FirstEase bill payment requires zero equity contribution. The minimum transaction amount is ?1,000, while the maximum is ?200,000, with a 30-day repayment tenor.

This distinction makes the two variants useful in different circumstances: one is structured around acquiring products through partner merchants, while the other provides financing directly at the point of selected bill payments.

A digital journey built around convenience

The process is designed to take place largely through digital channels. For an e-commerce transaction, a customer selects a product, proceeds to checkout, chooses FirstCheckout and then selects FirstEase. The customer’s account number is validated, eligibility is assessed, and the customer selects a preferred repayment tenor. The upfront equity, monthly instalment and other relevant repayment details are presented before the customer accepts the terms and completes the transaction.

FirstEase uses credit assessment and affordability checks as part of its eligibility process. The product compendium outlines a multi-stage assessment involving FirstBank’s credit and customer records, including account activity, salary account status and a valid BVN, followed by third-party scoring and enhanced artificial intelligence and machine-learning models before an eligibility outcome is provided.

Credit risk and machine-learning models are used to determine personalized eligibility amounts for e-commerce and bill-payment options.

Flexible repayment, with responsibility

The attraction of Buy Now, Pay Later is ultimately about timing – getting access to a product or service when it is needed while spreading the financial obligation over an agreed period.

For e-commerce FirstEase, there is an interest charge of three per cent per instalment on a reducing balance, alongside a two per cent one-off insurance charge at disbursement and a FirstCheckout fee of 1.2 per cent, capped at ?2,000. For bill payments, there is a five per cent monthly interest charge and three per cent monthly insurance charge.

Customers are also provided with repayment information and reminders. FirstEase includes automated collection and repayment features, while SMS and email reminders are be sent ahead of due dates. Customers can also request information about their outstanding debt through the mobile channels available.

The arrangement therefore places convenience alongside repayment discipline. Customers are expected to understand the applicable charges, repayment dates and terms before accepting an offer.

At its core, FirstEase reflects a shift in how consumers can access financing for everyday needs. Instead of treating credit solely as cash deposited into an account, the product connects financing directly to the purchase of a product or payment of a bill.

FirstBank describes the difference between FirstEase and a conventional consumer loan in terms of its point-of-sale financing structure, streamlined approval process, speed, convenience and direct integration with participating merchants.

For customers, the proposition is straightforward: where eligibility requirements are met, FirstEase provides another way to manage the cost of important purchases and selected bills without necessarily making the full payment immediately.

And as digital adoption and ecommerce continue to reshape how Nigerians shop and pay for services, FirstEase places financing within that same digital journey, from selecting a product or bill to completing the transaction, fulfillment, delivery of purchased goods and managing repayment.

In a market where flexibility increasingly matters as much as access, FirstEase is positioning Buy Now, Pay Later as more than a payment option: it is FirstBank’s way of enabling customers to make purchases and fulfill their needs within a short period of time.

Brilliant Brighton stun Arsenal 3-0 to end Gunners’ unbeaten streak

Brighton produced a dominant performance to beat Premier League champions Arsenal 3-0 at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, handing Mikel Arteta’s side their first defeat of the 2026/27 season.

Arsenal were chasing an eighth consecutive victory to open the campaign and their best start to a season in 123 years, but Brighton delivered a commanding display from the opening minute.

Pascal Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas put Brighton in control with first-half goals from outside the penalty area before Chema Andrés sealed the victory with a header at the back post from Gross’ corner.

The result was particularly significant for Brighton manager Fabian Hrzeler, whose side had suffered a narrow home defeat against Arsenal last season.

Brighton have proved a difficult opponent for Arsenal in recent years. They were also the last side to beat the Gunners by three goals in all competitions, winning 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium in May 2023.

The victory capped an impressive week for Brighton, who beat Coventry 5-0 in the Premier League last weekend before coming from two goals down to defeat Manchester United 3-2 away in the League Cup during the week.

The win lifted Brighton to third in the Premier League table with 13 points, two behind Arsenal.

Arsenal remain second on 15 points, while Manchester City can move three points clear at the top if they beat Sunderland on Sunday.

City, who also won their opening four league matches, will now have the opportunity to take advantage of Arsenal’s setback before the international break.

Eumir Marcial’s Asian Games 2026 status made uncertain by pro bout

Eumir Marcial’s participation in the Asian Games 2026 remains uncertain, with the Filipino Olympic bronze medalist’s condition after his Sept. 19 professional fight expected to determine whether he can reach Japan for the men’s 80-kilogram boxing competition.

Marcial is scheduled to face Omar Huerta only hours before the Asian Games boxing draw. The men’s 80kg division begins Sept. 23.

Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines president Marcus Manalo said the timing has left the national boxing program waiting to see whether Marcial can emerge from the professional bout healthy enough to make the trip.

SCHEDULE: Team Philippines at Asian Games 2026 boxing

‘It’s difficult to keep your hopes up,’ Manalo said via a report mailed to media offices. ‘It’s very stressful to keep hoping.’

Marcial, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, is unbeaten through seven professional fights. Huerta enters their bout with a 15-1-1 record that includes 13 knockouts.

For Manalo, however, the result itself is only part of the concern. Marcial would also have to avoid injuries and recover quickly enough to travel to Japan before returning to amateur competition.

‘I think the chances are dim [that Marcial can compete in the Asiad],’ Manalo said. ‘His opponent is also tough. And even if he wins, what will his condition be? If he does catch a flight here, he has to contend with jet lag. His hands could get injured, and that could need a long recovery period.’

That leaves one of the Philippines’ leading boxing names in a race against recovery and travel time.

Marcial’s Asian Games status cannot be settled until after the professional bout and an assessment of his condition.

I sleep too much

Oversleeping is when a person sleeps longer than expected. Sleeping longer than expected may be normal, as some people naturally require more sleep to feel well-rested. For others, though, oversleeping may be caused by underlying factors affecting their typical sleep patterns.

Oversleeping is a normal response to an increased need for sleep, which can happen after several nights of poor quality rest, when a person is sick, or after mentally or physically demanding activities. But for people who consistently oversleep and don’t wake up feeling rested, an undiagnosed health issue or sleep disorder may be to blame.

Key Takeaways

Oversleeping is when you sleep more than your body needs, which can harm your health.

Health risks include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive problems.

Finding the right amount of sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help prevent the negative effects of oversleeping.

If oversleeping may be due to a health condition or medication, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

What Is Oversleeping?

Oversleeping involves spending more time in bed than the recommended number of hours. Experts provide general recommendations on how much sleep people need based on their age.

IBB, Abdulsalami demand extensive probe into deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody

Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, have called for thorough and extensive investigations into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

While Babangida described the deaths as tragic and deeply disturbing, Abdulsalami called for an in-depth investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that measures are taken to prevent a recurrence.

The two former Nigerian leaders also commiserated with the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as investigations into the incident continue.

Babangida, in a statement issued on his behalf by Dr Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, expressed condolences to the parents and families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Niger State.

He commended the Niger State Government for its response to the incident, particularly its decision to constitute a committee of inquiry and commence medical and forensic examinations to establish the circumstances and actual causes of the deaths.

‘The steps being taken by the authorities are necessary to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on the findings,’ Babangida said.

The former military president urged residents of the state, particularly the youths and families of the deceased, to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course appealing to all parties to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or disrupting peace and security in the state, stressing the importance of establishing the truth surrounding the incident.

Babangida expressed hope that the investigation would be conducted transparently and provide answers to the bereaved families and residents of Niger State.

Abdulsalami, in a separate statement, described the deaths of the 37 young people as a painful loss to their families, communities, Niger State and Nigeria while extending his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength for those affected by the tragedy.

The former Head of State called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, saying the authorities must establish the facts and take appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.

He also urged relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen safety measures at mining sites, particularly to protect young people whose livelihoods depend on mining and other economic activities appealing for calm among the affected communities and called on the authorities to provide necessary support to the victims’ families.

The deaths followed enforcement operations by the NSCDC at mining sites in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, during which scores of suspected illegal miners were arrested.

Gov Yahaya Commends Peaceful Conduct Of Gombe By-Election

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has commended the peaceful conduct of the ongoing by-election for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of the state.

Speaking shortly after casting his ballot at his polling unit, the governor commended the voter turnout, describing the participation as a positive demonstration of citizens’ commitment to the democratic process.

He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, which he described as well organised and peaceful, noting the enthusiasm with which voters turned out to exercise their civic responsibility.

‘The election is well organised and very peaceful. You can see that the turnout is very, very good. I’m happy that people are very enthusiastic despite the fact that it is a by-election,’ he said. Governor Yahaya also expressed optimism about the performance of his party, attributing its acceptance among the electorate to the significant development recorded under his stewardship.

‘This is a by-election, but looking at the acceptability of our party, owing to the enormous development we have brought, I am optimistic that my party is going to achieve victory,’ he stated.

The governor said he had received encouraging feedback from other parts of the constituency on the conduct of the exercise across the three Local Government Areas of the constituency.

Governor Yahaya said the peaceful conduct of the by-election could provide useful experience ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged voters, political actors and other stakeholders to sustain the peaceful atmosphere and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the remaining stages of the electoral process.

Daily Trust reports that the by-election is being conducted across the 903 polling units in three LGAs of Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye, to fill the vacant seat in the House of Representatives following the death of the former member, Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo.

Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye bye-election: Gov Inuwa casts ballot, commends peaceful conduct

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Saturday, commended the peaceful conduct and impressive voter turnout recorded in the bye-election for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency.

The Governor described the participation of the electorate as a positive demonstration of citizens’ commitment to the democratic process.

The Governor spoke shortly after casting his ballot at his polling unit in Jekadafari Ward, Gombe Local Government Area.

Expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, Inuwa Yahaya said the election had been well organised and peaceful, noting the enthusiasm with which voters turned out to exercise their civic responsibility.

‘The election is well organised and very peaceful. You can see that the turnout is very, very good. I’m happy that people are very enthusiastic despite the fact that it is a bye-election,’ he said.

The Governor also expressed optimism about the performance of his party, attributing its acceptance among the electorate to the significant development recorded under his stewardship.

‘This is a bye-election, but looking at the acceptability of our party, owing to the enormous development we have brought, I am optimistic that my party is going to achieve victory,’ Inuwa Yahaya stated.

On reports from other parts of the Federal Constituency, the Governor said he had received encouraging feedback on the conduct of the exercise across the three Local Government Areas.

‘I received similar reports from various places. I have gotten reports from everywhere in the constituency that the election is going on well and it will end well, God’s willing,’ he said.

Inuwa Yahaya said the peaceful conduct of the bye-election could provide useful experience ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged voters, political actors and other stakeholders to sustain the peaceful atmosphere and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the remaining stages of the electoral process.

The bye-election is being conducted across the 903 polling units in Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye Local Government Areas to fill the vacant seat in the House of Representatives following the death of the former representative, Hon Yaya Bauchi Tongo.

Palace to Pia: ‘No need to panic if you’ve done nothing wrong’

Malacañang on Friday said Sen. Pia Cayetano need not panic if she has done nothing wrong.

This was after Cayetano said she ‘fears’ for her liberty and right to speak after discovering that the National Bureau of Investigation tracked her travel movements and return from Singapore.

Citing NBI Director Melvin Matibag’s recent statement, Palace press officer Claire Castro said the agency was not monitoring Cayetano.

‘Senator Pia does not need to panic. In the most recent interview we watched with NBI Director Matibag, he said he was not monitoring Senator Pia, and he was reportedly surprised by the senator’s reaction,’ Castro said in a video message.

‘Paranoia?’

Cayetano and her brother, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, went on a private trip to Singapore from Sept. 9 to Sept. 12.

Castro questioned Cayetano’s apprehension, asking if it may be a sign of ‘paranoia’ after the senator’s name was mentioned in the alleged P1.5 billion budget insertion involving her brother.

She noted that the funds were reportedly intended for the improvement of Laguna Lake and slope protection.

‘Does this show signs of paranoia? If you have done nothing wrong, there is no need to be afraid. There is no need to panic,’ Castro said.

She said there should be no reason to fear an investigation if the funds were properly used.

She also rejected claims that investigations and the filing of cases in court were politically motivated simply because those involved were not allies.

‘Mandate’

‘If the funds were used properly, there is nothing to fear. But to put malice on investigations and the filing of cases in court simply because they are not allies, that is totally unfair,’ Castro said.

She stressed that the alleged offenses involving some senators occurred even before the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

She said government agencies and the courts were merely carrying out their mandates.

‘It is not the fault of the investigators or the courts trying the cases involving certain individuals,’ Castro said.