Girl, 2, dies after swallowing kerosene

CEBU, Philippines - A two-year-old girl died Saturday night after swallowing kerosene at her stepfather’s house in barangay San Roque, Cebu City.

Victim Jenisse Lianza Doble was under observation at a hospital for a whole night before she was pronounced dead at 5 p.m. last Sunday.

Police arrested the girl’s stepfather, 40--old Romel Balbuena last Monday afternoon.

According to Virginia Doble, 59, the girl’s grandmother, Jenisse was in her care since April 27, when her daughter, Jocelyn Doble, the mother of Jenisse, was jailed for theft.

Two days later, Balbuena, Joselyn’s new-found boyfriend, went to Virginia’s house and asked to take Jenisse with him as he would visit Jocelyn at her detention cell at the Mandaue City Jail.

Since then, Virginia said Balbuena no longer returned her granddaughter until she saw him again on May 2 at the pier area.

She allegedly asked Balbuena to give her granddaughter back to her, but the latter refused, saying he would be taking the child with him to her mother in jail from time to time and would just return her back someday.

“Naguol ko pero gipasagdan na lang sad nako kay adto na man sad nang bataa nagpuyo sa iyang balay sukad nagpuyo sila sa akong anak buwan na kapin,” Virginia said.

Last Sunday, Virginia learned her granddaughter had died.

She proceeded to Saint Bernard Funeral Homes in barangay Mambaling where her granddaughter’s remains were laid. Balbuena was not around. She then reported the matter to the police.

The police went to Balbuena’s house where he was arrested, said SPO4 Alex Dacua of the Homicide Section.

Balbuena, a carpenter, told police he was working when he learned from his 15-year-old son, who was cooking rice, that the girl accidentally drank kerosene.

“Nangayo’g tubig kay mamam daw. Nakit-an ang botelya nga gisudlan sa gas nga gibutang ra pud sa sawog, ug giinom,” Dacua said.

The girl was rushed to the CCMC while Balbuena kept the incident from the girl’s family because of fear and confusion.

Virginia yesterday told police she will withdraw the case against Balbuena.

“Nalooy na man nuon ko. Pinangga man sad gud niya ang bata. Aksidente ra g’yud pud ‘to,” she said.

Dacua said they will release Balbuena today.

The Homicide investigator said Balbuena’s neighbors tried to prevent the police from arresting Balbuena last Monday.

“Hapit mag-people power didto. Maayo g’yud daw tawo ang suspek. Nakita gyud nila na pinangga niya ang bata,” he said.  (FREEMAN)