Dao fire causes PHP 672,000 in damage

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A fire destroyed a house made of light materials and an auto repair shop early Thursday, Aug. 13, in Sitio Tambak, Barangay Matagnop, Dao, Capiz, causing an estimated PHP 672,000 in property damage.

Police identified the shop owner as Rizalde “Botito” Estorque, a 53-year-old auto mechanic and resident of the area.

Estorque told police that he, his partner and a child were sleeping when the prolonged barking of their dog and the sound of a vehicle awakened him.

He went outside because he thought someone was seeking help with a vehicle experiencing mechanical trouble.

Estorque said he then heard an explosion and the sound of a motorcycle speeding toward the hilly part of the area.

When he checked the garage, he saw smoke coming from the rear of one of the parked vehicles.

Estorque said he found a bottle with a wick, locally known as a “pabilo,” near the vehicle and smelled gasoline inside the container.

He tried to extinguish the fire on the vehicle, but the flames spread rapidly because of the gasoline.

Estorque and his family immediately fled the property.

Because the area was experiencing a power outage and no phone was available to contact authorities, Estorque personally went to the Bureau of Fire Protection office to seek assistance.

The estimated PHP 672,000 in damage included vehicles that Estorque had been repairing.

No members of the family were injured.

Estorque called for an investigation to determine whether the fire was deliberately set and whether it was connected to his business.

Arson investigators are working to determine the fire’s origin and cause.