Man who set self on fire not insane

 CEBU, Philippines - Relatives of Exequiel Geneston, the 77-year-old man who set himself on fire inside the Magellan’s Cross, are asking the public to pray for his recovery instead of speculating about his attempt to take his own life.

As of yesterday, Geneston, who suffered third degree burns in his face and body, remains unconscious at the hospital.

He poured gasoline on his body and set himself on fire inside the famous landmark at 7 a.m. Thursday.

Geneston’s 44-year-old daughter, Ana Geneston, told police that her father is sane, contrary to witnesses’ accounts that the victim seemed to be suffering from mental illness.

Ana further told police that her father, a widower, did not have any problem.

Ana said prior to the incident, her father, who has poor vision because of his age, requested to be taken to a lumber store near Pier 3 where his friend works.

From their residence in sitio Itom-Yuta, Barangay Lorega-San Miguel, they boarded a passenger jeepney and went to the place.

“Sayo daw kaayo nagpahatod didto unya nagkasabot ra sila na balikon ra siya para kuhaon. Nabatian na lang niya sa radio na naospital iyang amahan,” SPO4 Rey Cuyos of the Homicide Section said.

Ana said, her father was not bringing any bottle when they went to his friend.

At around 7:30 am, Exequiel was seen entering the Magellan’s Cross.

He prayed before pouring the gasoline on himself.  He then lit a lighter setting his body on fire.

A receipt was found in his pants showing that he bought the gasoline that he placed in a bottle from a gasoline in Barangay T. Padilla.

Doctors of the Cebu City Medical Center are still monitoring Genestonn’s condition.  (FREEMAN)