‘Mentally-ill’ man burns down brother’s house

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged mentally-ill man was arrested by the police for burning down the house of his brother Monday afternoon in Barangay Valencia, Alegria town.

Marvin Amatiaga, 38, was arrested immediately after he set the house of his brother Oscar, 41, on fire.

Police Officer 2 Lenard Francis Cabahug of Alegria Police Station said around 1 p.m. last Monday, they received a report about fire at the mountain barangay.

 Cabahug said they coordinated with Malabuyoc Fire Station and responded immediately to the area, which was located some 10 kilometers away from the town proper.

By the time they arrived at the place in sitio Lamacan, Oscar’s house, which was made of light materials, has already been destroyed by the fire.

Cabahug said the elder brother and the parents alleged that Marvin, who was suffering from a mental disorder, was responsible for the fire.

The police found the suspect near the area and apprehended him.

Considering his mental condition, Marvin was turned over by the police to the Municipal Social Welfare Office where he was vaccinated and later released.

The police urged the parents of the suspect to bring him to a hospital where he could be treated properly.

Fire investigators pegged the damage at P5,000. — (FREEMAN)