Man torches father's house, destroys 80 other homes

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested yesterday a 40-year-old jobless man who reportedly triggered a fire that destroyed 80 houses in Barangay Rosario, Pasig City last May 17.

According to his neighbors, Roderick Rendal reportedly gathered cans of paint, kerosene and varnish, as well as a sack of clothes, in one corner of his father’s house and set them on fire.

Police said Rendal’s father was taking a nap when the fire broke out. He rushed out of the house after being awakened by shouts from his neighbors.

Prior to the fire, Rendal told his neighbors he planned to set their house on fire after his father ordered him and his family to leave. Hours before the fire, Rendal’s wife and children were seen leaving but the suspect was left behind.

At least 80 houses were razed to the ground, leaving more than 150 families homeless. Residents Beatriz Fabian, 53, and Sulpicio de la Pena were injured in the fire.

Rendal surrendered to a Pasig City police team composed of SPO2 Noel Venus, SPO1 Bobby Egera and PO2 Adrian Dee, who arrested him at his temporary residence at Napico, Barangay Manggahan.

Rendal was charged with arson before the prosecutor’s office of the Pasig City regional trial court. A prosecutor recommended no bail for him, saying his offense was a “heinous crime.”

Rendal chose to remain silent over the charges against him. He is detained at the local police detention center.