De Oro execs seek family of Canadian fatality of fire in city

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Authorities here are trying to reach the family of a Canadian who died in a fire here on Monday (Jan. 25).

Joseph William Morley Tweedie, 69, died from third degree burns when his pad in Zone 3, Bugo village went up in smoke around 7:40 a.m., said SMsgt Ronelio Ubas, investigator at the Puerto police station.

Firefighters found Tweedie’s charred body on his bed. Ubas said Tweedie had difficulty walking because of an unspecified medical condition.

Initial investigation said the fire may have been caused by a cigarette as Tweedie was known to have been a heavy smoker and drinker.

Tweedie was alone in the house. His house help usually comes to him to prepare lunch and do other chores.

Ubas said authorities have yet to confirm information that Tweedie was a retired teacher in Vancouver before he arrived in the Philippines some 10 years ago.

In the last 10 years, Tweedie travelled in and out of the country at least six times, Ubas added.

House owner Paulo Buaya said Tweedie had insisted on spending his last days here than return to Canada.

TSB