Former motel in Pasig catches fire; authorities probing possible arson

Fire broke out at a former motel in Pasig City before dawn on Wednesday and authorities are looking at arson as one of the possible causes.

Four men were seen leaving the former motel on Marcos Highway in Barangay Santolan as the fire started past 3 a.m., according to a report by James Agustin on Unang Balita on Wednesday.

The first alarm was raised by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), meaning four fire trucks were needed.

After more than an hour, the fire was put out.

The former motel's ceiling and two rooms on the ground floor were burned.

The BFP is still investigating the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, barangay tanods arrested one out of the four men seen leaving the area.

Recovered from the suspect were a TV and cable wires, among others.

Barangay personnel said they verified that the items came from the former motel.

According to them, they have received four to five complaints in one month regarding theft incidents at the former motel.

The former motel's caretaker said the establishment ceased operating in 2020.

She also said the former motel's electricity has been cut off, and wirings were taken.

The suspect denied that he was involved in the fire, adding that he was on his way home when accosted by barangay tanods.

The barangay will turn over the suspect to the Pasig Police for processing.

Manhunt operations meanwhile are ongoing to locate the three other suspects. —KG, GMA Integrated News