A 14-year-old person with disability (PWD) died after their house caught fire at around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Upper Liloan, Santander, Cebu.
Victim Identified
The victim was identified as Johnvin Miñao. According to the investigation by the Santander Municipal Police Station and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), based on witness statements, the victim, who was mentally incapacitated, was reportedly cooking alone in their kitchen at the time of the incident.
Family Members Absent
His mother, Janet Tinerepe, 35, was doing laundry, while his father, Ervin Miñao, 39, was working in construction. The victim was left unattended.
Fire Spread Quickly
While the victim was cooking, the kitchen suddenly burst into flames, which quickly spread throughout the house, which was made of light materials. Neighbors attempted to help but were unable to save the victim due to the intensity of the fire. They only saw the charred body later.
The Santander fire department continues its investigation, and the victim's body has been brought to the town funeral parlor.
