2 men set on fire for picking fights in Dumagat community

CITY OF CAUAYAN — Two drunk men suffered first-degree burns after being set ablaze at Maconacon town in Isabela province on Thursday, police said.

Recuperating from burns at the rural health unit in Maconacon was Fernando Sesuca, of Dicatian village; and Acorda Cortez, of Dicaroyan village, both Dumagat and laborers in Divilacan town, according to Sr. Insp. Frances Littaua, Isabela police spokesperson.

The two men were reportedly drunk and trying to deliberately start a fight in Malasin village – a Dumagat community.

Alarmed, the community sought out Dumagat elder, Renato Castillejo. But when the drunken men refused to heed his plea, Castillejo threw bottles filled with gasoline at the rowdy men before lighting a match.

Castillejo surrendered to the police and will face charges of attempted homicide.   /kga