Sambag 1 fire suspect released

CEBU, Philippines - The man who allegedly started a fire that left over 500 people homeless in Barangay Sambag 1, Cebu City was already released from detention after no formal complaint was filed against him.

Emmanuel Camillo, who allegedly slammed a butane canister after a fight with his mother, was released Wednesday afternoon after the 36-hour reglementary period had lapsed.

 Around P1 million worth of damage was reported after the fire destroyed 58 houses, including a Christian school last Sunday.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Ariel Balajadia of the Pahina Central Fire Sub-Station said that affected residents were hesitant to testify and execute their affidavit against Camillo despite claiming that he started the fire.

Residents alleged that the fire began at the Camillos’ residence.

 Balajadia said that the residents’ statements pointing Camillo as culprit will remain as allegations until they can present someone who can testify seeing Camillo throwing the butane canister that caused the fire.

“Naa’y giingong testigo pero ingon pud siya nga lisod daw mamasangil. Katong nakakita gyud. Puro ra estorya. Wa’y ebidensya. Di na madawat sa piskaliya,” he said.

 Some of the residents went to their station last Wednesday.

 Balajadia said that they cannot pursue the filing of charges against Camillo until the residents provide concrete evidence and testimonies from the witnesses.

 Balajadia reminded the residents that they can still file a complaint against Camillo through a regular preliminary investigation so long as they already have acquired sufficient evidence against the latter.

 Camillo was met by his wife upon his release. Balajadia said that Camillo vehemently denied the allegations against him. Camillo earlier said that he and his wife were sleeping when they noticed the fire.

 His younger brother also denied the accusations and claimed that a lighted candle that was left unattended in their uncle’s room may have started the fire.  (FREEMAN)