Foreign national charged for arson

CEBU, Philippines - A foreign national is facing charges before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly setting fire to a commercial building in Barangay Basdiot, Moalboal, Cebu.

Victor Gimeno and Samuel Calderon, both residents of barangay Saavedra, lodged a complaint for arson and attempted homicide against Won Chang Sun of barangay Basdiot.

The complainants are caretakers of the said building owned by Oscar Regner.

In his sworn statement, Calderon said that on May 24, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. while they were on the terrace, he saw the respondent enter the gate and go inside the building bringing a container and oxygen tank.

“Pagkatapos niyang makapasok ay dumeretso siyang umakyat sa hagdan na matatagpuan sa gilid ng building paakyat sa terasa. At nang makaakyat na siya nakita kong ibinaba nya ang dala at bigla siyang nag sindi ng lighter inilapit niya sa bibig niya at sinindihan ang lighter at binugahan ng apoy ang aking kasamang si Gimeno,” the affidavit reads.

Calderon said he was surprised and unable to move. He then saw Gimeno get a rod to hit the respondent but failed.

Thereafter, he said he saw the respondent pour kerosene on the wooden floor and set it on fire using a lighter. He said the flame lasted for about ten seconds causing damage to the floor.

“Pagkabuhos niya ng kerosene, sinindihan niyang muli ng dala niyang lighter at inilapit sa sahig na daglian namang lumiyab ng pagka-lakilaki. Lumiyab ang apoy na humigit kumulang mga sampung segundo at kanya naman itong pinawi at pinatay,” the affidavit further reads.

Gimeno corroborated the statements of Calderon. He alleged respondent has intent to set fire in the building.

Calderon and Gimeno said they reported the incident to the Police Station before filing the complaint. They attached the police report and pictures of the damaged floor as evidence.

The two were assisted by lawyer Ioannes Infante.— (FREEMAN)