By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A construction worker was killed after he was reportedly set on fire by a co-worker at Santo Rosario Heights in Barangay Bagacay, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental late Sunday evening.

Police identified the fatality as Daniel Cuevas, a resident of Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

According to investigation, Cuevas was drinking with the suspect, identified as Antonio Casas, when he was assaulted with a pipe made of galvanized iron.

Casas allegedly proceeded to pouring paint thinner on Cuevas and set him on fire.

Bystanders rushed Cuevas to the city’s local hospital for treatment, but he passed away Monday morning due to severe burns.

Dumaguete City police are presently conducting a manhunt operation against Casas, who is facing murder charges./DGB, WDJ