Education officials reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for school violence as they investigate a Tondo teacher accused of forcing a student to eat a cockroach to conceal an alleged sexual assault.

The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed that the Schools Division Office of Manila received a formal complaint from a parent regarding the incident. The 52-year-old male teacher was arrested on 12 December and released on a P120,000 bail on Tuesday.

The alleged abuse occurred 25 October after a Grade 7 student reportedly witnessed the teacher molesting another pupil in a school restroom.

To silence the witness, the teacher allegedly forced the boy to eat a cockroach and threatened his life, according to police reports.

“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, DepEd chief media relations officer.

The agency’s Learner Rights and Protection Division is now conducting a dual inquiry into both the child abuse complaint and the molestation allegations.

Legaspi cited that while the student involved in the restroom incident has not filed a complaint, the agency is moving forward with a “simultaneous inquiry” to ensure all students are protected.