09 September 2005
Arson eyed in successive burning of two schools
SAN CARLOS CITY – More than P5.5 million went up in smoke when two barangay high schools here burned separately under mysterious circumstances two days apart last week.
First gutted down in the evening of Aug. 26 were four school buildings of the Abanon National High School estimated to cost P5 million, including 20 water-damaged computer units in the school’s computer room.
Burned aside from the computer room were the Parents-Teachers Association building, and the administrative building of the elementary school.
The following night, a two-room building of the Bacnar National High School also burned down on August 28, with damage placed at P450,000. One of the gutted rooms was where eight computer units were installed. From the computer room, the fire spread to the principal’s office and dental clinic.
San Carlos City Fire Marshal Jovito Quilateg said initial investigations showed faulty electrical wiring was the cause of the first blaze and on overheated unplugged computer or air-conditioning system in the second blaze.
He admitted however that arson is not being ruled out yet, adding this would be found out in the investigation now being conducted by his office.
Investigators are now trying to find clues of arson among the ashes of the burnt school buildings.
Even San Carlos City Mayor Julian Resuello believes arson was a possible cause of the two fires due to reports of the existence of heaps of papers and flammable materials near the two school buildings before these were gutted down.
Reports said the blaze may have something to do with the purchase of the computer units for the two barangay schools. (PNA)
First gutted down in the evening of Aug. 26 were four school buildings of the Abanon National High School estimated to cost P5 million, including 20 water-damaged computer units in the school’s computer room.
Burned aside from the computer room were the Parents-Teachers Association building, and the administrative building of the elementary school.
The following night, a two-room building of the Bacnar National High School also burned down on August 28, with damage placed at P450,000. One of the gutted rooms was where eight computer units were installed. From the computer room, the fire spread to the principal’s office and dental clinic.
San Carlos City Fire Marshal Jovito Quilateg said initial investigations showed faulty electrical wiring was the cause of the first blaze and on overheated unplugged computer or air-conditioning system in the second blaze.
He admitted however that arson is not being ruled out yet, adding this would be found out in the investigation now being conducted by his office.
Investigators are now trying to find clues of arson among the ashes of the burnt school buildings.
Even San Carlos City Mayor Julian Resuello believes arson was a possible cause of the two fires due to reports of the existence of heaps of papers and flammable materials near the two school buildings before these were gutted down.
Reports said the blaze may have something to do with the purchase of the computer units for the two barangay schools. (PNA)
