Man charged with arson, homicide

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Arson and homicide charges were filed against a man for setting a house on fire in Naawan town in Misamis Oriental on Dec. 24, leaving two girls dead.

Cris John Baluarte, 21, said he burned the house where the girls, aged 11 and 9, were sleeping because of a grudge against their parents.

Inspector Julieto Bolonos of the Naawan police said Baluarte claimed he also raped the 11-year-old girl.

“We could not ascertain whether there was rape. The bodies of the girls were charred beyond recognition,” Bolonos said.

The victims’ parents were not home when the incident occurred at 1:30 a.m.