Man accused of causing Panagdait fire faces homicide and arson charges

Guillermo Canabe, 30, is taken into police custody after he confessed to starting the fire that killed one person and left over 500 of his neighbors homeless in Sitio Panagdait, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City on Jan. 26, 2020. |CDND Photo/Alven Marie Timtim

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The alleged drug addict who confessed to having set his own home on fire that later razed several other houses and killed one person in Sitio Panagdait, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, on Sunday, January 26, 2020, will be facing homicide and arson charges.

Police Major Juanito “Dindo” Alaras, Mabolo police station chief, told reporters this morning, January 27, that they have a strong case against the suspect Guillermo Canabe Jr., 30, based on the account of witnesses and the suspect’s own confession.

Alaras said that Canabe immediately confessed of intentionally burning his own house which later razed other houses in the area and caused the death of his neighbor Leo Armamento, 49, who was said to be suffering from a mental condition.

The suspect said he started the fire because he was angry with his neighbors who allegedly always tag him as a police asset every time a drug personality is arrested in their area. He also admitted to having an altercation with his father earlier.

Canabe’s own neighbors collared him and delivered the suspect to the police after they found out he was the one who started the fire by lighting his kitchen and fleeing after doing so.

rror during Panagdait fiesta caused by a drug-using resident angry with his neighbors

Alaras added that they might also charge Canabe for violating section 15 of the Republic Act 9165 or the comprehensive dangerous drugs act after the suspect allegedly admitted that he was under the influence of illegal drugs when he committed the crime.

“Known nga tig gamitay pud daw siya (He was a known drug addict),” said Alaras.

Meanwhile, Senior Fire Officer 1 Dina Marikit, of the Cebu City Fire Department, told CDN Digital that they already filed a case for destructive arson against Canabe at the City Prosecutor’s Office this morning. /rcg