Police in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, arrested a school janitor who allegedly set fire to the Daisy’s ABC School where he worked and the ancestral home of the city’s mayor after being fired from his job.
The blaze, which occurred on June 14, started in the school’s storeroom and quickly spread to the rest of the building. The fire reached Mayor Renato Gustilo’s residence in Ylagan Street, forcing the local leader’s family to evacuate.
The mayor was not present when the fire broke out.
The incident also gutted a historic business building on Locsin Street owned by the mayor’s grandfather. Daisy’s was also an iconic Chinese school founded by the Chinese-Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to police Chief Master Sergeant Elmer Fajardo, a complaint for arson would be filed against the 58-year-old janitor, Rico Cabales, before the city prosecutor’s office on June 18.
Cabales has been detained at the San Carlos City Police Office.
Reports indicated that he attempted to take his own life by slashing his wrist on June 16. He was taken to San Carlos City Hospital and is now under police guard to prevent any further attempts.
The fire started past 3 p.m. and lasted until 6:12 p.m. on Friday, said Fire Officer 3 Joseph Earl Solibio.
Daisy’s ABC School, a landmark building founded by the Chinese-Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was severely damaged in the blaze.
The incident highlights the potential dangers of unresolved workplace conflicts and the consequences of one’s actions.
The motives behind the janitor’s actions were reportedly driven by his loss of job, which he took out on the school and the mayor’s homes.
He surrendered to authorities after reportedly feeling guilty that his actions led to the mayor’s ancestral house being reduced to ashes.
