1 dies, 5 houses burned in Kamputhaw fire
CEBU, Philippines — A man died while five houses were gutted by a fire that hit Purok 8, Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City yesterday morning.
The fatality was identified as 53-year-old Alexander Sanchez, a carpenter.
Three houses were totally burned, while two other houses were partially damaged. Fire authorities have pegged the damage at P80,000.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-7 has received the fire alarm at 9:23 a.m., which was controlled at 9:38 a.m. It was declared fire out at 9:54 a.m.
Fire Officer 3 Nelson Daculan, who is investigating the incident, said the fire was immediately contained because of the quick response of the Barangay Kamputhaw Fire Station.
Authorities are looking into Sanchez’s alleged suicide as the cause of the fire.
Based on his family member's statement, the victim reportedly set himself on fire.
"Initial ani kay naa man gud allegation nga nag bilin siya og suicide note," Daculan explained.
He added the fire started in Sanchez’s residence.
Daculan, however, said they will still further investigate the case.
The victim reportedly left a five-page note to his aunt, Vita, who then gave it to the authorities. She said she was not able to open the envelope to view the contents.
Teofilo Sanchez, Alexander's older brother, said the victim reportedly attempted to commit suicide before.
"Sige siyag sulti nga maghikog siya, unya dili madayon. Unya katong Domingo ako nagawsan diha nga naay mga batan-on iya gipangkasab-an kay gilibak kuno siya nga maghikog siya unya wa madayon, mao na ron nahitabo," he said.
He added Alexander had problems with money.
"Gi-timing gyud to niya nga trabaho mi mga laki," he said.
Maricel Araneta, 42, live-in partner of one of Alexander's brothers, said she was cooking when the fire occurred.
She recalled that Alexander had asked his nephew living in the next house to go outside before the incident.
Meanwhile, the barangay will be giving aid to the affected families. — Imarie Jane D. Madarieta, USJ-R Intern GAN (FREEMAN)
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