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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Family seeks justice for man set on fire in Taguig

Family seeks justice for man set on fire in Taguig

Published Jun 25, 2025 10:12 am
Victim James Villaruel in the hospital (right) (Photos from the Facebook accounts of Bhabie and Jean Garmino)
Victim James Villaruel in the hospital (right) (Photos from the Facebook accounts of Bhabie and Jean Garmino)
Family members of the 28-year-old man who was set on fire by another man in Taguig last June 20 are seeking justice for their kin.
The victim, James Villaruel, suffered third degree burns when the suspect, identified by the Taguig police as Gregorio, poured gasoline on him and set him on fire in Barangay Pitogo.
Villaruel, a maintenance employee, is being treated at the Ospital ng Makati. Gregorio, 42, is a machine operator and a resident of Quezon City, according to the police.
The incident happened at about 10:22 p.m. James was sitting outside their home with other people when Gregorio arrived with a container. After setting him on fire, Gregorio fled. The suspect is facing charges of frustrated murder and physical injuries.
Screenshots from CCTV footage showing suspect Gregorio pouring gasoline on James Villaruel and setting him on fire in Barangay Pitogo, Taguig on June 20 (Screenshots from Bhabie Garmino's video on Facebook)
Screenshots from CCTV footage showing suspect Gregorio pouring gasoline on James Villaruel and setting him on fire in Barangay Pitogo, Taguig on June 20 (Screenshots from Bhabie Garmino's video on Facebook)
Bhabie Garmino, Villaruel’s aunt, said they are seeking the immediate arrest of the suspect, who remained at large as of this writing.
“Pero isa lang ang gusto namin - ang mahuli siya (We just want him arrested),” Garmino told the Manila Bulletin.
She said they can now talk to Villaruel.
The police said Gregorio set Villaruel on fire because of jealousy. The suspect’s partner is a neighbor of Villaruel.
Villaruel’s mother, Jean, is seeking the public’s help in providing information on the whereabouts of the suspect.
“Ako po ay humihingi ng tulong sa lahat para po sa hustisya sa nangyari sa anak ko. Hanggang ngayon po ay di pa nakikita ang may gawa. Ito pong lalakeng ito at baka makita Nyo (I am asking for everyone's help for justice for what happened to my son. Until now, the perpetrator has not been found. This is the man and you might find him),” she posted on Facebook along with the photos of Villaruel and videos of her son in the hospital.
She wrote, “Pagaling ka 'nak, magbabayad ang gumawa nito sa iyo (Get well soon, son, whoever did this to you will pay).”
The Station Investigation and Detective Management Section (SIDMS) and Station Intelligence Section of the Taguig police are conducting follow-up operations to locate and arrest the suspect.

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