New twist eyed in Tondo fire

MANILA, Philippines - A child playing with candles reportedly caused the fire in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo Manila that left more than 5,000 families homeless, arson investigators said yesterday.

City fire chief Superintendent Felix Abrenica said they received information that a child was seen toying with candles before the blaze broke out contrary to earlier reports that the fire started from the house of Arturo Salapudin.

“There was no blackout, but the child was playing with candles,” said Abrenica.

He said the flames from the candle could have touched a post or a curtain, which sparked the fire. Leftist groups claimed that the area was “deliberately set on fire” as part of a demolition tactic.