• Teacher forced student to eat a cockroach as a punishment for keeping silent
• Student said he witnessed the teacher harassing another female student

Police in Manila managed to arrest a teacher from the Tondo area after he was accused of mistreating a student, allegedly forcing him to eat a cockroach to keep him silent about another incident.

Authorities stated that the suspect, known as "Nel," was apprehended on 12 December inside the school building on Juan Luna Street in Barangay 174.

Reports indicate that the incident dates back to 25 October.

The student’s mother told local media that her son had witnessed the teacher harassing a female student inside the school restroom.

When the teacher noticed him, he reportedly chased him, dragged him into a cubicle, and threatened to "cut his foot" and kill him if he revealed what he saw, according to police.

To further intimidate him, the teacher allegedly forced the student to eat a cockroach.

MPD spokesperson Philip Ines confirmed the student’s account, noting the seriousness of the threats made against the minor.

Although the main complaint concerns the mistreatment of the student, Ines added that the female student who was allegedly harassed has not yet filed a formal complaint.

The suspect denied all accusations, telling investigators that "the incident never happened."

After his arrest last week, the teacher was held at Delpan Police Station, but records show he was released on Monday, 15 December, after posting a bail of 120,000 Philippine pesos (around 2,100 US dollars).

The school administration has not yet issued any official statement regarding the teacher’s current employment status or any internal disciplinary measures taken while the court proceedings continue.