CEBU CITY, Philippines – An 84-year-old grandmother is in the hospital after her son-in-law set her on fire during a heated confrontation in Carcar City, south Cebu, on Sunday afternoon, January 5, 2025.
The incident happened around 3 p.m. at the family’s home along Cambuntan Road in Barangay Bolinawan.
The victim was identified as Lolita Licuan while the suspect, Ignacio Brade Tribunalo, 55, was immediately apprehended.
According to the victim’s 11-year-old grandson, Licuan was doing laundry when Tribunalo, who was reportedly not welcome in their home, suddenly barged in.
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The suspect, known for allegedly abusing his wife—the victim’s daughter—was looking for his spouse.
When his mother-in-law refused to respond, a heated argument ensued.
The situation then escalated when Tribunalo reportedly grabbed a plastic container of gasoline, doused Licuan, and set her ablaze.
Neighbors who witnessed the altercation quickly intervened, dousing the flames with water and rushing the victim to a hospital in Cebu City, where she remains under medical care.
Meanwhile, police have confirmed that Tribunalo is already in their custody as investigations continue.
Carcar City, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Cebu City, is a fourth-class component city.