Ex-Con Who Burned 300 Homes in Intramuros After Catching Wife With Lover Now Faces Arson Charges
The man behind the massive fire that gutted a residential area in Intramuros, Manila last February 25 has been formally charged with arson by the Bureau of Fire Protection. The blaze, which reached the fourth alarm, left two people dead, displaced 600 families, and caused an estimated P1.5 million in damages.
According to Barangay 655 Chairman Jhonny 'Nonoy' Yacub, the suspect — an ex-convict with a history of alleged illegal drug use — deliberately set his own house on fire using gasoline after allegedly discovering his former wife with her current partner. His personal grudge turned into a community-wide disaster.
The suspect's own son reportedly expressed deep regret over his father's actions. 'Sir, kung alam ko lang na aabot sa ganito ang gagawin ng tatay ko, sana pinigilan ko na,' the son told the barangay chairman. What makes it worse — witnesses say the suspect appeared casual and even laughed while talking to complainants during the inquest.
The suspect's former wife and children remain near the fire site, staying in makeshift tents. Officials are considering relocating them temporarily to prevent further conflict, as emotions among displaced residents remain raw. 'Hindi pa nawawala ang galit ng mga tao, sariwa pa ang nangyari,' Yacub warned.
Displaced families continue to rely on evacuation centers including the Dalpan Sports Complex and enclosed areas near San Agustin Church. Several government agencies and private companies have extended aid to help victims recover from one of the worst fires in Intramuros in recent memory.
Source: Tempo / Manila Bulletin
