Jealous ex-convict pours gasoline on house, sparks massive Intramuros fire
An ex-convict allegedly poured gasoline on his own house in Intramuros in a jealousy-fueled act against his wife, triggering a massive fire that remains ongoing and has forced the evacuation of hundreds of families.
Barangay 655 Chairman Johny Yacub said the man, identified as alias Burnok, had just been released on bail the night before the incident.
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Residents claimed he poured gasoline on the house after learning that his wife had left him for another man.
Flames quickly spread to neighboring homes, affecting at least 300 houses and 600 families in the area.
Firefighters continue to extinguish the fire that razed hundreds of houses in Barangay 655, Intramuros, Manila, on Wednesday, Feb. 25. (Photo courtesy of Diann Calucin)
Angry residents reportedly confronted the suspect at the scene, physically assaulting him before police officers were able to take him into custody.
The man is now under investigation for arson and reckless endangerment.
Firefighters from multiple stations continue suppression operations as thick smoke rises from the densely populated neighborhood.
Local officials are coordinating relief for displaced residents, many of whom are students, workers, and small vendors in Intramuros.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/25/residential-fire-in-intramuros-raised-to-2nd-alarm