Fire investigators believe there was foul play or arson in the deadly house fire that occurred Tuesday night, October 10, in Lower Sumpong, Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City. Radio reports revealed responders were baffled by the fact that three of the victims were all able bodied adults and could have easily kicked the Amakan walls of the small house to escape. Police are also looking into the possible motive behind the incident which claimed the lives of five individuals including two children. It was also gathered that the victim couple were recently married during the city-sponsored Kasalan ng Bayan last June 24, 2023 in Nazareth.
Police have identified the victims as Melgene Galpo, 31; his wife Manilyn, 30; and children Yolem, 7, and Jolo, 4. Also killed was Maggie Epanes, 25, younger sister of Manilyn who recently graduated with a BS Criminology degree from Phinma-Cagayan de Oro College (COC). SOURCE
Authorities are now conducting a deeper investigation into the incident. Just a couple of weeks earlier, the couple reported a burglary incident at their house.
Photo below shows the couple attending the Kasalan ng Bayan in Nazareth last June 24, 2023.
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy visited Bollozos Memorial Homes in Bulua where the victims were brought and assured the relatives that the city government will shoulder the wake, burial and cremation expenses. He also gave financial assistance.
More photos in the link below.
