THE suspect in the fire that gutted around 60 houses in Sto. Niño, Gotamco in Barangay Leon Garcia, Agdao District, Davao City around 2 a.m. Thursday, September 3, is now locked up in the cell of Sta. Ana Police Station.

Police Major Michael Uyanguren, Sta. Ana Police Station commander, said they were able to immediately arrest Roberto Linggasac Manalong, 44, through a follow-up operation.

It was learned that the suspect poured gasoline on the floor of his house and ignited it with a lighter during an altercation with his wife.

"Away mag-asawa (Couple's quarrel)," Uyanguren said when interviewed by Superbalita Davao.

Superbalita Davao also tried to get the side of the suspect but he refused to be interviewed as of Thursday morning, September 3.

Also destroyed by the fire were some classrooms of Congressman Manuel Garcia Elementary School, which is located near the affected houses.

Around P1 million worth of damage was recorded, according to the initial investigation by the Davao City Fire District.

There were no casualties in the incident but a number of individuals were wounded when they tried to save their belongings.

Multiple charges of arson are now being readied against the suspect, while the victims are being assisted by the Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Meanwhile, the Davao City Government has deployed its teams to serve hot meals and food assistance to families affected by the fire incident.

CSWDO teams immediately provided hot meals through the emergency mobile kitchen Kusina ng Bayan, beddings, and kitchen utilities to the affected residents.

Based on the initial report of the CSWDO, there were more than 60 houses, and seven classrooms were gutted by fire.

The CSWDO is currently validating the total affected families.

Maria Luisa Luisa Bermudo, head of the CSWDO, said the city will also extend financial assistance as soon as her office validates the total number of affected house owners, sharers, and boarders.

Barangay Captain Lita Impis was grateful to the City Government for the immediate response to the needs of the affected families.

"Dako kaayo mig pasalamat nga naabot dayon ang tabang nga pagkaon, mga hot meals, gikan sa City Government of Davao ug duna pay tabang nga mga moabotay gikan sa atong gobyerno (We are grateful for the immediate food assistance in the form of hot meals from the City Government of Davao and for the assistance that the government will extend to us)," Impis said. (With CIO)