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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 'No more pain': Man set on fire in Taguig dies, suspect still at large

'No more pain': Man set on fire in Taguig dies, suspect still at large

Published Jul 22, 2025 09:22 am  |  Updated Jul 22, 2025 01:11 pm
The gasoline attack on James Villaruel (left) and the victim in a hospital (Screenshot from video and photo from Bhabie Garmino)
The gasoline attack on James Villaruel (left) and the victim in a hospital (Screenshot from video and photo from Bhabie Garmino)
The 28-year-old man who was doused with gasoline and set on fire due to jealousy in Taguig last month has died.
James Garmino Villaruel, who suffered third degree burns from the attack, passed away in a hospital on July 20, a month after the horrific incident happened on June 20 in Barangay Pitogo, Taguig.
His mother, Jean Garmino, and aunt, Bhabie Garmino, announced his passing.
“Toto James Garmino i miss you so much nak,” Jean Garmino posted on Facebook.
CCTV footage showing the suspect, Gregorio, setting James Villaruel on fire in Barangay Pitogo, Taguig on June 20 (Screenshots from video of Bhabie Garmino)
CCTV footage showing the suspect, Gregorio, setting James Villaruel on fire in Barangay Pitogo, Taguig on June 20 (Screenshots from video of Bhabie Garmino)
James Villaruel died on July 20 (Photo from Bhabie Garmino)
James Villaruel died on July 20 (Photo from Bhabie Garmino)
James Villaruel being treated for severe burns in a hospital (Photo from Bhabie Garmino)
James Villaruel being treated for severe burns in a hospital (Photo from Bhabie Garmino)
Bhabie Garmino wrote, “Toto James Garmino alam nman naming lumaban k e, peru hanggang dito k nlng tlga. Wag mung patulugin yung gumawa sayo niyan, hayop siya kriminal. Ok lang yan to no more pain, fly high to ok lang kami dito always ka nmin maalala love n love ka nmin alam mu yan. RIP pamangkin fly high. I love you always James Garmino (James Garmino we knew you fought hard, but that's all you can really do. Don't let the one who did that to you get away with this, he's an animal, criminal. It's ok to have no more pain, fly high we're okay here, we will always remember you. We love you so much, you know that. RIP nephew fly high).”
The suspect was identified by the Taguig police as Gregorio, 43, a machine operator, and a resident of Quezon City.
The incident happened at about 10:22 p.m. last June 20. Villaruel, a maintenance employee, was sitting outside their home with other people when Gregorio arrived with a container.
Driven by jealousy, he poured gasoline on Villaruel, set him on fire and fled. The incident was captured on CCTV.
Villaruel’s hospital bill reached P1 million, according to a July 19 post by his relative on Facebook.
The suspect is still at large.
Related story
Family seeks justice for man set on fire in Taguig
https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/25/family-seeks-justice-for-man-set-on-fire-in-taguig

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