CEBU CITY, Philippines – A man is in critical condition after he set himself on fire inside the Magellan’s Cross beside the Basilica Del Sto. Niño here yesterday morning.
The man, whose identity remained unknown as of press time, was rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center due to multiple burns. He is around 30 to 40 years old.
Marjorie Salbi, 36, a candle vendor, said he saw the man enter the Magellan’s Cross at around 7 a.m. yesterday, carrying a bottle of liquid.
She then saw the man prayed and later poured the liquid, which turned out to be gasoline, on himself.
The man, Salbi said, then mumbled prayers once more before he clicked a lighter and set himself on fire.
A woman who also saw what happened took off her jacket, rushed inside the Magellan’s Cross and doused the flames with it.