Man burns family’s house over stepbrother conflict

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – Arson charges were filed yesterday against a 35-year-old man for allegedly setting his family’s house on fire following a misunderstanding with his stepbrother at Sitio Relocation 1, Barangay Bantayanon, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, last Monday.

Fire Officer 1 Manuel Ardo, arson investigator of Calatrava Municipal Fire Station, said the suspect, identified as “Leonardo,” became irked when his stepbrother confronted him about his actions towards the latter’s child.

Ardo stated that the stepbrother saw the suspect kicking his child, prompting him to confront Leonardo.

The suspect then allegedly threatened his stepbrother that he would set their house on fire. The stepbrother, however, did not take him seriously and left to avoid escalating the conflict.

Ardo mentioned that the stepbrother was surprised to learn that their house was burning. The incident, witnessed by their mother, led to the suspect’s apprehension.

Ardo reported that the suspect poured gasoline and set the house on fire, causing an estimated P180,000 worth of damage.

Ardo added that he has no idea why the suspect kicked his stepbrother’s child or if they had previous misunderstandings.

The fire was reported past 7 a.m. No injuries were reported, he added.