A 3-year-old boy died after a fire razed their home in Sitio Sibuyan, Barangay Cansuje, Argao, Cebu on Wednesday morning, June 17, 2026. The victim was identified as Niño Carillo, who was left alone inside the house when the fire broke out.
Mother Leaves Child Unattended
According to the investigation by FO3 Michael Angelo Rodriguez of the Argao Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the child's mother, Zenas Carillo, 44, was not home at the time. Relatives said the mother is mentally challenged and often leaves the house between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., returning late, leaving the child alone. The child has no father, as the mother was reportedly impregnated out of wedlock. The boy had an older half-brother who was working in Argao town.
Fire Spreads Quickly
The child's uncle said he had seen and talked to the boy shortly before the fire, asking where his mother was. The boy replied that she had left. Moments later, the fire started, quickly engulfing the house made of light materials. When authorities tried to interview the mother, she gave incoherent answers. Rodriguez said, 'I interviewed the mother, and her answers were inconsistent. She seemed evasive.'
Response and Damage
The BFP received the alarm 15 minutes after the fire started. They rushed to the site, located 16 kilometers from the Poblacion, but the house was already completely burned down. Estimated damage is P20,000. The BFP is continuing its investigation to determine the cause, amid reports that the child may have been playing with a lighter before the tragedy.
Warning to Parents
The fire bureau warns parents not to leave young children unattended at home and to keep dangerous items such as matches and lighters out of reach to prevent similar tragedies.
