Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against violence in schools and said it was investigating a complaint against a teacher who allegedly forced his student to eat a cockroach. The 52-year-old public school teacher in Tondo, Manila allegedly <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/17/manila-teacher-nabbed-for-allegedly-threatening-forcing-student-to-eat-cockroach-1800">threatened the Grade 7 learner</a> and forced the child to eat a cockroach after the student caught him molesting another pupil. The teacher was <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/17/guro-arestado-matapos-umanong-piliting-pakainin-ng-ipis-ang-estudyante-0807">arrested</a> on Dec. 12 and was released on a P120,000 bail on Tuesday. The DepEd confirmed that the Schools Division Office of Manila received a report from a parent regarding the alleged incident. The complaint was elevated to the DepEd Central Office through its Learner Rights and Protection Division (LRPD) via the Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline (LTCCH).“DepEd ensures that the ongoing investigation is being handled swiftly and fairly,” the agency said. “A simultaneous inquiry regarding the alleged molestation is being conducted with the end view that all learners involved are protected and assisted,” it added. The DepEd said the concerned field office had been directed to take immediate measures to protect the learner, including class adjustments, the provision of psychosocial support, and close monitoring of the child’s well-being.“Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, the Department of Education enforces a clear zero tolerance policy against any form of violence or abuse against learners,” said Dennis Legaspi, Chief Media Relations Officer of the Department of Education. “Any act that harms a child has no place in our schools, and those found accountable will face appropriate administrative and legal consequences in accordance with law and due process.” <div><iframe width="726" height="408" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u9bxz6bBLnQ" title="Guro arestado matapos umanong piliting pakainin ng ipis ang estudyante | ABS-CBN News" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against violence in schools and said it was investigating a complaint against a teacher who allegedly forced his student to eat a cockroach.

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against violence in schools and said it was investigating a complaint against a teacher who allegedly forced his student to eat a cockroach.

DepEd vows ‘swift’ probe vs teacher who allegedly forced student to eat cockroach

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DepEd vows ‘swift’ probe vs teacher who allegedly forced student to eat cockroach

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 18, 2025 08:52 AM PHT

Read More:

DepEd

official statement

zero tolerance

Manila teacher

arrest

Tondo

sexual harassment

cockroach

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