Fleeing drug suspect triggers fire; 1 killed

MANILA, Philippines – A drug suspect who tried to run away from police reportedly caused a fire that killed a 10-year-old boy in Las Piñas City before dawn yesterday.

Arson probers identified the fatality as Alfred Arcilla, whose charred body was recovered after clearing operations.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Jemar Modequillo said anti-narcotics officers responded to a report that a pot session was being held at a house along Chesna street in Barangay Talon 5 before 1 a.m.

Modequillo said at least six drug suspects escaped when police raided the house.

He said police officers were able to arrest five of the suspects after a brief chase. The other suspect broke into a house in the area and accidentally hit a lighted candle, triggering a fire.

The suspect, whose identity was not known, was apprehended in a follow-up operation.

Arcilla’s mother reportedly left the boy to charge her mobile phone at their neighbor’s home, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The blaze reached the third alarm before it was put out at around 3 a.m.

The BFP said at least 60 houses were destroyed in the fire, displacing 90 families.

Police and the BFP are conducting separate probes on the incident.