NEGROS Occidental – A 47-year-old father was arrested after he allegedly torched his family’s house following a jealousy-fueled argument with his wife in Sitio Pasto, Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City early Wednesday morning, July 29.
Kabankalan police identified the suspect as alias “Ronald.”
The suspect’s daughter, alias “Rodelyn,” told authorities that her father began drinking with friends early Tuesday. Past midnight on Wednesday, a heated confrontation erupted between her father and mother, alias “Lyn,” driven by alleged jealousy.
Rodelyn said she fled to a neighbor’s house out of fear, adding that she witnessed her father go on a rampage.
Police investigation further revealed that Ronald later siphoned gasoline from his tricycle, doused the interior of their house and set it ablaze. The fire lasted around 30 minutes before being brought under control.
In a K5 Kabankalan interview, Ronald strongly denied deliberately setting the house on fire. He also claimed his argument with his wife happened only after the blaze started.
“Ginpa-priso ‘ko nila, ti, paano ko na makay-o akon balay. Ano kaunon to nila karon kon ari ‘ko di sa sulod,” Ronald said while in police custody.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection – Kabankalan City, this marks the second time Ronald has attempted to burn down their house./PN
