A teacher in Tondo, Manila, was taken into custody on December 12 following allegations that he assaulted a 12-year-old female student and compelled her to consume a cockroach. Authorities confirmed the suspect, identified only as Nel, 53, was apprehended inside the school premises.
According to a Manila Bulletin report, Nel was detained under a warrant issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court, Branch 38, for alleged violations of Republic Act 7610, which addresses special protection against child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.
The incident was brought to the attention of law enforcement after the child reported the disturbing encounter to her parents. This led to the Manila Police District (MPD) launching a surveillance and follow-up operation targeting the teacher. Nel is already ranked as the MPD’s third most wanted person.
According to the MPD’s initial investigation, the confrontation began on October 15 when the young student reportedly walked in on the teacher sexually assaulting another female student inside the school’s comfort room. The victim claimed she attempted to flee but was quickly detained by the suspect.
After being captured, she was allegedly brought into the same comfort room. The 12-year-old recounted that the teacher physically harmed her and then forced her to eat an insect before issuing threats against her if she spoke about what had happened.
Despite the serious accusation, the teacher denies the claims made by the young victim. He asserted that “the incident never happened.”
Police also noted that the student whom Nel was initially observed allegedly molesting has yet to file formal charges.
