Two separate fire incidents struck different parts of Cebu province on Sunday, December 28, 2025, causing significant property damage and leading to criminal investigations. In Mandaue City, a man's alleged suicide attempt by fire spiraled into a community disaster, while in the southern town of Barili, a reckless act involving a firecracker destroyed vendor stalls just days before New Year's Eve.
Barili Firecracker Stall Blaze: A Costly Prank
In Sitio Estaca, Barangay Minolos, Barili, a fire erupted shortly after 9:00 p.m., quickly consuming nine stalls selling firecrackers. The Barili Fire Station received the alarm at 9:33 p.m. and managed to control the blaze by 9:48 p.m., declaring it fully extinguished by 9:59 p.m. The swift response prevented the fire from escalating beyond the first alarm.
According to Fire Inspector Anadith Trasporte, the acting municipal fire marshal, the stalls were constructed from light materials, which contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Authorities are now searching for two unidentified men suspected of starting the fire.
Vendor Leo Bayno provided a chilling account of the incident. He stated that the two suspects purchased a "triangle" firecracker from the last stall. Instead of lighting it safely, they allegedly ignited it and threw it back into the display tray, causing an immediate explosion. The suspects then fled on foot, leaving behind their motorcycle, which was also destroyed in the fire.
While official estimates place the structural damage at P27,000, the affected vendors paint a much grimmer financial picture. They claim their total losses, including inventory and cash earnings set aside for the holiday season, could exceed P2 million. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Inspector Trasporte used the incident to remind the public and vendors to strictly follow safety protocols as the New Year celebration approaches.
Mandaue City Arson Case: A Personal Tragedy Becomes a Community Crisis
Meanwhile, in Purok 6, Barangay Cubacub, Mandaue City, a devastating fire broke out in the early hours of the same day, damaging at least 20 houses. Police have identified the alleged perpetrator as a 54-year-old man using the alias "Dodong." The suspect is currently confined at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for treatment of second-degree burns on his arms and ankles and has not yet been formally arrested.
The fire started around 1:20 a.m. and was reported to authorities at 1:35 a.m. A combined response from Police Station 6, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Mandaue City, and barangay officials brought the fire under control, declaring it out by approximately 2:40 a.m.
Investigators stated that the suspect voluntarily admitted to setting the fire with the intent to harm himself while under the influence of alcohol. The blaze, which began in his own home, rapidly spread to neighboring houses, causing partial and total damage to 20 residential structures. The BFP preliminarily estimated the total damage at around P250,000.
History of Distress and a Fatal Decision
Barangay Captain Alex Borbajo revealed that the suspect had exhibited suicidal behavior prior to the incident. "He first tried to kill himself using a tie wire, but it did not work," Borbajo said. The suspect then purchased three bottles of gasoline from a nearby seller, paying for only one and borrowing the other two.
According to the barangay captain's account, the suspect doused himself and his house in gasoline before igniting it with a lighter. During police questioning, the man cited emotional distress as his motive, explaining that he was deeply in love with a woman who had repeatedly rejected his advances despite his financial and material support to her family.
"Once he is medically cleared, he may be transferred to the detention cell of Police Station 6," Borbajo confirmed, noting that the suspect will face criminal charges for arson upon his release from the hospital.
The back-to-back incidents in Cebu underscore the severe consequences of irresponsible actions involving fire, especially during the hazardous holiday season. They highlight the critical need for public vigilance, proper enforcement of safety regulations for pyrotechnics, and accessible support systems for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
