Nobody was hurt in the two fires believed triggered by lightning and an alleged drug addict, arson investigators said.
The first fire hit a residential area of Barangay Hulo in Mandaluyong City at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday.
Resident Lorna Blegario, 49, said lightning struck an electric post located at the corner of Saniboy and Blumentrit Streets, which ignited the blaze.
The fire quickly spread toward the two-storey house of one Rodolfo Soliven at 490 Saniboy Street. Ten other neighboring houses were gutted down before responding firemen put out the blaze two hours later. Damage to property was placed at P1 million.
In Pasig City, a certain Rigor del Carmen is being sought by police after his neighbors pointed to him as the one who started the fire.
Superintendent John Sosito, Pasig City police chief, said the entire area of Barangay Rosario was hit by a power outage at about 4:15 a.m., forcing residents to light candles.
Arson prober SF01 July Cababa said Rigor and his father, Carding, were heard arguing shortly before the fire hit their house located at Acacia Street, Jabson Side in Barangay Rosario.
Cababa said the father refused to provide details as to how the fire started. But neighbors insisted it was his son who started the fire, citing a similar arson attempt several months ago.
In the previous incident, neighbors managed to put out the fire because it happened during daytime. – Non Alquitran