MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education said that it is investigating a teacher in Manila who allegedly forced a student to eat a cockroach.
DepEd Chief Media Relations Officer Dennis Legaspi confirmed the report from Schools Division Office Manila regarding a case of child abuse involving a teacher in Tondo, Manila.
The DepEd’s Learner Rights and Protection Division also received the complaint 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,” Legaspi said.
He added that the DepEd will ensure that the investigation is fair and swift.
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According to the Manila Police District, the incident happened on October 15. The student reportedly saw the 53-year-old teacher assault another student in the school’s comfort room.
The student tried to escape, but she was caught by the teacher who forced her to eat a cockroach. The teacher reportedly warned the student not to tell anyone about the incident.
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The victim, however, told her parents, who filed a complaint at the MPD. The police arrested the teacher on December 12.
The DepEd said it is also investigating the alleged molestation.
“A simultaneous inquiry regarding the alleged molestation is being conducted with the end view that all learners involved are protected and assisted,” Legaspi said.
