The three suspects involved in last month’s deadly Java Pension House fire have been formally charged. Bureau of Fire Protection-Bacolod (BFP-Bacolod) fire marshal, Fire Chief Inspector Publio Ploteña, said they filed criminal charges of arson against Rodolfo Inson, Jr. and Venancio Valeriano.
A third suspect has also been charged but authorities have refused to identify them pending their arrest.
Ploteña said they filed the charges before the 36-hour reglementary period lapsed.
The two are also still detained at Police Station 1 (PS1).
The fire marshal added, they are presently trying to check other violations committed by Java Pension House.
Earlier, Inson and Valeriano were arrested by PS1 operatives after they were positively identified by witnesses as the individuals responsible for starting the blaze.
PS1 commander, Police Major Jovil Sedel, said, based on the suspects’ testimony, they claimed they were trying to steal the helmet attached to a motorcycle by burning its strap using a lighter. The suspects then brought the helmet to the Burgos Public Market area where they sold it for P150./DGB, WDJ