Moscow Concert Hall Attack: Over 60 Dead, ISIS Claims Responsibility

 An audacious assault on a concert hall in Moscow on March 22, 2024 resulted in the deaths of at least 60 individuals and left over 145 others wounded. The Islamic State group (ISIS) has asserted responsibility for the attack, although this assertion has not been verified independently.

Armed individuals clad in camouflage attire stormed the Crocus City Hall, situated on the city's outskirts, and began shooting at concert attendees. Witnesses recounted hearing gunshots and explosions before fleeing the premises.

Security forces reacted promptly and engaged in a confrontation with the assailants. Specifics regarding the identities or fate of the attackers remain uncertain.

Russia's health ministry confirmed the significant number of casualties and mentioned that many of the wounded are in critical condition.

The attack has garnered widespread condemnation from the global community. The United Nations Security Council labeled the incident as a "vile and cowardly act of terrorism."

Investigators are currently reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the attack. This is an evolving situation, and additional details are anticipated.

Department of Education Investigates Teacher Filmed in Viral Video

 The Department of Education (DepEd) initiated an inquiry into a teacher featured in a viral social media clip reprimanding students. The video, initially shared on TikTok by user "Serendipitylover" but now circulating on various platforms, depicts a woman in a teacher's attire expressing frustration towards unseen students.

As per DepEd deputy spokesperson and assistant secretary Francis Bringas, the department is currently "validating the information from the field." The video has sparked discussions online, with some individuals criticizing the teacher's conduct while others showing understanding towards the potential pressures she may be under.

The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) recognized that the teacher "may have made a mistake" but urged the public to reserve judgment until the investigation is completed. TDC national chairperson, Benjo Basas, stressed the significance of a just investigation and shed light on the broader issue of student discipline in Philippine educational institutions.

DepEd has established a Child Protection Policy that delineates procedures for probing potential instances of abuse or misconduct by school staff. The results of the investigation will determine whether any disciplinary measures will be imposed on the teacher in the video.

Philippines Breaks Record for Largest Human Lung Formation on World Tuberculosis Day

 The Philippines claimed a new Guinness World Record title on Saturday, March 16, 2024, for forming the "largest human lung formation." The feat was achieved in commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed annually on March 24.

The record-breaking attempt took place at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, organized by the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with various partners. Over 5,596 participants donned red and green shirts to create the giant human lung image, surpassing the previous record of 5,003 individuals set by India in 2017.

According to Guinness World Records adjudicator Chong Wai Yip, the attempt was successful after two tries. The official record considered the number of participants, the accuracy of the lung formation, and the absence of gaps during the recording.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa expressed his delight at the Philippines' achievement, highlighting the event's significance in raising public awareness about TB, a preventable and treatable infectious disease.

This record-breaking feat serves as a platform to educate Filipinos and the global community about the fight against TB, emphasizing the importance of early detection, treatment completion, and access to healthcare.

Vlogger Yexel Sebastian Faces P50 Billion Investment Scam Complaint

Yexel Sebastian, a Filipino vlogger and businessman, is facing a complaint for syndicated estafa (large-scale fraud) amounting to P50 billion. The complaint, filed yesterday by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and thirty alleged victims, stems from an alleged investment scam involving a "junket" scheme.

As per Atty. Palmer Mallari, the Chief of NBI Fraud and Financial Crimes Division, the complaint alleges Sebastian offered unrealistically high returns on investments.  One victim claims they were promised a monthly return of P35,000 with their principal returned after a year.

The alleged scam targeted Filipino workers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The NBI has divided the sets of complaints into three, suggesting there may be more victims involved.

Sebastian has also been charged with violating the Securities and Regulation Code.

House Committee Orders Arrest of Apollo Quiboloy

 The House Committee on Legislative Franchises has issued an arrest warrant for Apollo Quiboloy, founder of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). The warrant stems from Quiboloy's  failure to appear at a hearing on alleged franchise violations by SMNI.

Representative Johnny Pimentel, a member of the committee, announced the issuance of the warrant.  Quiboloy's lawyer reportedly requested a postponement to secure his attendance, but the committee did not receive confirmation.

This development follows ongoing investigations into SMNI's compliance with its congressional franchise. The nature of the alleged violations remains unclear at this time.

Two Aftershocks Strike Surigao del Sur

 The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported two aftershocks struck Surigao del Sur on Friday, March 15th, 2024.

The first tremor occurred at 6:52 am, registering a magnitude of 4.3. Its epicenter was located east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, at a depth of 17 kilometers. Phivolcs reported no intensities felt from this earthquake.

The second aftershock hit the area at 7:30 am, also registering a magnitude of 4.3. The epicenter was not specified in the report. However, Phivolcs noted that weak shaking, Intensity I, was felt in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Both aftershocks are linked to the strong magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Surigao del Sur in December 2023. Phivolcs stated that no further aftershocks or damage are expected from these tremors.

It's Showtime Reportedly Headed to GMA to Replace Tahanang Pinakamasaya

 According to reports, the popular noontime variety show "It's Showtime" may be making a network switch. The show, currently airing on ABS-CBN's subsidiary GTV, is reportedly in talks with GMA to fill the noontime slot vacated by "Tahanang Pinakamasaya" in early March 2024.

"Tahanang Pinakamasaya," produced by TAPE Inc., ended its run due to "unwanted circumstances" on the production company's side. GMA has since been airing Filipino movies in the vacated slot.

While neither network has officially confirmed the move, reports suggest negotiations are underway. This potential shift would mark a significant development in the Philippine noontime show landscape, traditionally dominated by GMA's "Eat Bulaga!" and ABS-CBN's "It's Showtime."

It's important to note that these are just reports, and official confirmation from both GMA and "It's Showtime" is still pending.