ORMOC CITY — Police arrested a 37-year-old ‘sikad-sikad’ driver in Naval, Biliran after he allegedly attempted to set fire to a residence by throwing a gasoline-filled bottle inside the property on Wednesday, March 4.
The suspect, identified by police as alias “Sario,” a resident of Barangay Jubay in Calubian, Leyte, was arrested following a hot pursuit operation shortly after the incident.
Police identified the complainant as alias “Bert,” 25, a self-employed resident of Barangay Santo Rosario in Naval.
According to a report from the Naval Municipal Police Station, the complainant went to the police station around 12:30 p.m. to report an alleged attempted arson that occurred earlier at Jelos Place 1 in Barangay Santo Rosario.
Responding officers immediately proceeded to the scene to verify the report and conduct an investigation.
Initial findings revealed that the suspect allegedly threw a plastic bottle of a soft drink containing gasoline into the compound of Jelos Place 1, specifically near a generator set and an oven inside the complainant’s property.
The incident was reportedly witnessed by several workers in the area, including alias “Rico,” 28, a baker; alias “Jen,” 24, a secretary; and alias “Lyn,” 36, the officer-in-charge of Jelos Place 2. All are residents of Barangay Caray-Caray in Naval.
The complainant also presented to the police the plastic bottle that still contained gasoline.
Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
Authorities said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
He was later brought to the Naval Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges.
(ROBERT DEJON)
