No bail for maid accused of arson

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office recommended no bail against a helper who set fire to the residence of her employer that resulted to the death of a fellow helper.

Prosecutor Joseph Val Carillo recommended the filing of qualified arson against Aubrey Soria, 22, after she chose not to undergo preliminary investigation to answer the allegations filed against her.

Soria is temporarily detained at Cebu City Police Office pending the commitment order.

The police also filed a case against the mother of Aubrey before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for obstruction of justice after she allegedly tried to help her daughter escape.

Because the crime was committed in Minglanilla, the Provincial Prosecutor has the jurisdiction of the case.

Minda likewise chose not to undergo preliminary investigation during the inquest proceedings of the case.

The two cases are set to be filed today in court.

Soria claimed she was only planning to burn an envelope owned by her employer, retired colonel Mariano Parcon Sr., containing her personal information and contract after she stole some items from them.

However, when she set the envelope on fire on top of a desk the flames reportedly spread to the curtains and got bigger.

The police said Soria stole two cellular phones and several bottles of lotion and perfume from the Parcons and P1,500 believed to be from Cornelia Tagalog, her fellow helper who was killed in the fire.

Based on reports Soria was allegedly brought by her mother to Minglanilla.

But in an interview with Minda yesterday, she denied hiding her daughter from authorities.

The two were arrested in Minglanilla last February 22. (FREEMAN)