Barili, Mandaue fires spark arson investigations

Fire destroyed several structures in two separate incidents in southern and central Cebu over the weekend, with authorities investigating possible arson in both cases, including a blaze in Mandaue City that left at least 20 houses damaged.

In Barili town, nine firecracker stalls were razed by fire shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Sitio Estaca, Barangay Minolos. The stalls were part of a cluster of temporary structures selling fireworks ahead of the New Year celebration.

The Barili Fire Station received the fire alarm at 9:33 p.m. and firefighters arrived at the scene within five minutes.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the blaze was placed under control by 9:48 p.m. and declared fully extinguished at 9:59 p.m. The incident only reached the first alarm level due to the swift response of fire personnel.

Fire Inspector Anadith Trasporte, acting municipal fire marshal of Barili, said nine out of the 15 stalls in the area were completely gutted by the fire.

He noted that the stalls were constructed mostly of light and highly flammable materials, which allowed the flames to spread quickly.

Authorities are now searching for two unidentified individuals believed to have started the fire.

One of the affected vendors, Leo Bayno, said the incident began after two men approached the last stall to buy a firecracker locally known as a “triangle.”

Bayno claimed the suspects lit the firecracker and threw it back into the display tray, triggering an immediate explosion.

The two men reportedly fled on foot following the explosion, leaving behind their motorcycle, which was also consumed by the flames. Fire investigators initially estimated the structural damage at around P27,000.

However, affected vendors said their losses could be significantly higher, claiming that the combined cost of destroyed merchandise and lost cash earnings may exceed P2 million. No injuries were reported in the Barili incident.

Trasporte reminded vendors and the general public to remain vigilant as the New Year approaches, stressing the importance of strictly observing safety protocols in handling and selling fireworks to prevent similar incidents.

Meanwhile, in Mandaue City, a 54-year-old man is facing possible arson charges after allegedly setting his own house on fire in the early hours of Sunday, causing a blaze that spread to neighboring homes in Purok 6, Barangay Cubacub.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Dodong,” single. Authorities said he has not yet been arrested as he is currently confined at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for medical treatment.

According to police records, the fire broke out at around 1:20 a.m. and was reported to authorities at 1:35 a.m.

Personnel from Police Station 6, the Bureau of Fire Protection–Mandaue City, and barangay officials immediately responded to the scene. The fire was declared under control and fully extinguished at around 2:40 a.m.

Police said the suspect voluntarily admitted responsibility for starting the fire and claimed that he intended to harm himself. Investigators added that the man was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

The blaze quickly spread to nearby houses, resulting in partial and total damage to at least 20 residential structures. The BFP estimated the total property damage at around P250,000.

Barangay Cubacub Captain Alex Borbajo said the suspect had previously exhibited signs of suicidal behavior prior to the incident.

“He first tried to kill himself using a tie wire, but it did not work,” Borbajo said, adding that the suspect later went to a nearby seller to buy gasoline.

“He bought three bottles of gasoline. He paid for only one and asked to borrow the other two,” Borbajo said.

According to Borbajo, the suspect poured gasoline on himself and his house before igniting it using a lighter.

During police questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted that emotional distress drove him to commit the act.

He reportedly said he had been deeply in love with a woman for a long time but was repeatedly rejected, which may have affected his mental state.

Borbajo said the woman’s children also told authorities that the suspect had persistently courted their mother. Despite giving money and food to the family, the woman continued to refuse his advances.

Authorities said the suspect sustained second-degree burns on his arms and ankles and remains under medical observation.

“Once he is medically cleared, he may be transferred to the detention cell of Police Station 6,” Borbajo said.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.