ORMOC CITY — A fire completely destroyed a farmer’s house in Barangay Kansungka, Baybay City on Tuesday morning, November 12, 2025, authorities reported.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., leaving the residence of a 76-year-old farmer, known by the alias “Ben,” in ashes. Police said the house, located about 8.1 kilometers from the Baybay City Police Station, was already engulfed in flames when responders arrived.
According to the initial investigation, the homeowner had left for work at a copra station in Barangay Sta. Cruz around 6:00 a.m., while his wife had gone to the city for medical treatment. He was later informed by co-workers that his house was on fire.
When he rushed home, firefighters and police were already at the scene, but the blaze had completely consumed the structure.
A witness, identified as “Vilma,” told investigators that she saw a small fire burning in a pile of dried wood and leaves near the house earlier that morning. Thinking it posed no danger, she left to eat breakfast.
SFO1 Keneth Ian Villaflor, the arson investigator, said the fire likely originated from that burning pile, with embers carried by the wind to the house.
The Bureau of Fire Protection estimated the damage at P30,000. Authorities confirmed that no one was hurt in the incident.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
