Father and sons arrested for arson

A father and his two sons were held in custody by fire authorities after a fire razed some 50 houses early yesterday morning, displacing at least 100 families in Quezon City.

Apprehended for possible arson charges were Carlito Nazareto Sr., and his two sons, Carlito III and Noniver, all residents of 52 Area-I, Santolan Road corner Ortigas Ave. in Barangay Valencia.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Danilo Dugay said the fire started at the Nazaretos’ house at around 1:09 a.m. yesterday.

Based on information initially gathered by investigators, the Nazaretos were reportedly on a drinking spree when the fire suddenly broke out from their residence. Some residents claimed that minutes prior to the fire, they smelled kerosene.

Dugay said the blaze immediately spread to nearby houses, which were made mostly of light construction materials and were merely separated by walls.

About 30 firetrucks were deployed to the area to contain the fire, which ended at around 6:36 a.m.

Fire investigators estimated damage to property could reach up to P2.5 million. No one was reported hurt.

Dugay told The Star that a certain Totoy Nazareto had been arrested by fire authorities almost two years ago for allegedly starting a fire in the same area.

They have yet to verify if the same person they arrested on 2002 was one of the three men they apprehended this time.