DepEd launches probe into teacher arrested for allegedly forcing student to eat cockroach
Warning: This article includes mention of abuse.
The Department of Education is conducting simultaneous investigations into the alleged student abuse and molestation cases in a Tondo school, after a teacher was arrested for supposedly forcing a Grade 7 student to eat a cockroach.
In a statement shared with media on Dec. 18, DepEd said it "enforces a clear zero tolerance policy against any form of violence or abuse against learners."
"Any act that harms a child has no place in our schools. Those found accountable will face appropriate administrative and legal consequences in accordance with law and due process."
On Dec. 12, a teacher at a school in Tondo, Manila was arrested by the Manila Police District after being reported by a male Grade 7 student for allegedly threatening his life and forcing him to eat a cockroach. This was after the victim saw the teacher supposedly molesting a female student in the school.
Both incidents allegedly took place on Oct. 15.
The male student's mother, speaking to ABS CBN News, said her son witnessed the alleged molestation inside a classroom. When the teacher saw the student, he chased the child into a bathroom, threatened the boy's life, and made him eat a dead cockroach.
According to the DepEd statement, the Schools Division Office of Manila received a report from a parent regarding the case. Likewise, the department also received a complaint about the same case through its Learner Rights and Protection Division via the Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline.
"The concerned field office has been directed to take immediate action to protect the learner, including class adjustments, psychosocial support, and close monitoring of the child's well-being," DepEd said.
Although authorities say no formal complaint has been filed over the alleged molestation, DepEd is looking into the matter.
"DepEd ensures that the ongoing investigation is being handled swiftly and fairly. A simultaneous inquiry regarding the alleged molestation is being conducted with the end view that all learners involved are protected and assisted," the department added.
Meanwhile, the suspect is facing a complaint for violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (Republic Act 7610). He was released on Dec. 16 after he posted bail of P120,000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available.
- Bantay Bata Helpline 163: Free and confidential support over the phone. Lines open every day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- NCMH Crisis Hotline: Free, compassionate, and confidential support over the phone. Lines open 24/7. Tel:1800-1888-1553
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Hotline: 911 | Aling Pulis Text Hotline: 0919-7777-377 / 0966-7255-961 / 0920-9071-717
- Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Makabata Helpline: 0915-8022-375 / 0960-3779-863
