Man torches house; 1 dead, 3 injured

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A manhunt has been launched for a 31-year-old man who set their house on fire, killing his brother-in-law and wounding his three siblings in Janiuay, Iloilo on Thursday.

The suspect, identified only as Remos, fled after the incident that occurred in the remote village of Barsalon.

The fire killed Remos’ brother-in-law, Wilgie, and injured his siblings Richard, Ivy and Sheila.

Capt. Marlon Perez, Janiuay police chief, said that Remos was drunk when he arrived at past 10 p.m.

The suspect reportedly went amuck and Richard tried to pacify him, but he ignored his brother.

A quarrel broke out between the brothers, prompting Ivy and their mother, Cecillia, to intervene.

However, Remos reportedly became even more furious and poured gasoline over the house.

Richard said they tried, but failed to stop the fire from spreading, and opted to save their nephews and nieces.

Wilgie, who was reportedly drunk and was asleep when the incident occurred, was trapped in the fire. He and his wife, Sheila, and their two children were visiting their parents for the Holy Week.

The victims were rushed to the Federico Roman Tirador Sr. District Hospital in the town proper for treatment of burns.