Octogenarian man sets himself afire in Lorega

An 87-year-old sickly bachelor suffered third degree burns after he allegedly poured gasoline and burned himself in front of a chapel at sitio Itum Yuta in barangay Lorega-San Miguel yesterday dawn.

Homicide policeman, PO2 Edario Manatad, said Epifanio "Panyong" Togonon is now being treated at the Cebu City Medical Center while the motive of his action is yet to be determined.

Barangay secretary Mely Merino told The FREEMAN that "Panyong", a barangay resident, first went out of his residence because it was hot inside and he could not sleep. It was Panyong's ritual since he got sick for almost a month , said Merino.

Panyong reportedly settled himself to sleep in front of the chapel then put on a blanket over his body. But he allegedly poured gasoline over himself then burned the clothes beside him before setting himself ablaze with a match. -

Norvie S. Misa