Manila, Dec. 18 -- The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) has expressed serious concern over a report of an incident in Tondo, Manila, in which a male Grade 7 student was allegedly forced by a teacher to eat a cockroach, accompanied by threats and intimidation.

In a statement on Thursday, the CWC strongly condemned any form of violence and abuse against children, stressing that the incident - if proven true - constitutes a clear violation of a child's right to safety and protection, especially within the school environment.

"Ang mga ganitong pangyayari ay maaari ring makadulot ng matinding trauma sa bata (Such incidents can also cause severe trauma to the child)," it said.

"Dapat tandaan ng lahat na ang paaralan ay dapat manatil...