CEBU CITY – Police arrested a man accused of intentionally setting a firecracker stall on fire in Barili town, Cebu province on Sunday, Dec. 28.
Jonathan Mahinay Matosada, 43, was arrested in his home in Barangay Poblacion, Barili on Monday afternoon, Dec. 29.
Police said another man involved in the incident remains at large.
A charge for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property will be filed against Matosada, police said.
Investigation showed that two men aboard a Kawasaki Fury arrived in an area where stalls selling firecrackers are located.
The back rider got off and bought a firecracker called “Triangle” from a stall owned by Maria Fe Delumbar.
After taking the firecracker, the man lit it and threw it off near the stalls.
The sparks of the firecracker landed on the stalls, triggering a fire.
A series of explosions rang out as nine firecracker stalls were razed. It took at least 12 minutes before the fire was put out.
A Kawasaki Fury believed to have been used by the two men was found in the area when the fire was contained.
Police coordinated with the Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas that enabled them to track down Matosada.
Police added that based on security camera footage, it was confirmed that Matosada and his companion were responsible for the fire.