The Bureau of Fire Protection has filed a case for destructive arson against two suspects after investigation showed that a fire occurring in Brgy. Tomas Monteverde, Agdao District emanated from the couple’s house.
Officials identified the suspects as Terry Bandilan and Jane Tay, both are currently detained at Sta. Ana Police Station.
According to BFP official Patricio Brañanola, the house was deliberately torched, citing circumstantial evidences and statements from the suspects’ neighbors.
“May mga nakapagsumbong na sinabi ng isa sa mga suspects na susunugin raw ang bahay,” Brañanola said Wednesday morning.
He cited the statement of the witnesses that they saw the fire coming from the rented room of the couple and the fire immediately spread to the neighboring houses.
Brañanola added that 71 houses were totally damaged and three classrooms in Agdao Elementary School were partially damaged.
“There were around 200 families affected by incident and the fire damaged around PhP 1 million worth of properties,” he said.
Meanwhile, the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) had already released assistance to 121 families and 27 individuals affected by the fire.
Maria Luisa Bermudo, head of CSSDO, said the local government will be extending financial assistance to the victims this week.
Owners of houses destroyed by fire will receive P10,000, and victims whose houses are damaged by the fire will also receive P5,000.
Bermudo’s office will also provide stress debriefing sessions to the victims, especially the mothers and children.
