A 14-year-old boy with a disability died after a fire destroyed their house in Upper Liloan, Santander, Cebu, on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The victim was identified as Jun, who was described by authorities as mentally incapacitated.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), witness accounts indicated that the teenager was cooking in the kitchen when the fire suddenly intensified.
Authorities said the flames quickly spread throughout the house, which was made of light materials, resulting in the structure being completely destroyed.
The victim was reportedly unable to escape from the burning house.
Investigators said the boy’s parents were not at home when the incident happened.
His 35-year-old mother was reportedly washing clothes elsewhere, while his 39-year-old father was working at a construction site during the time of the fire.
The BFP has not yet released an official determination regarding the exact cause of the fire as authorities continue their investigation.
Fire investigators are also assessing the extent of the damage and reviewing witness statements related to the incident.
Local authorities have not yet disclosed the estimated cost of property damage caused by the blaze.
The incident has drawn attention in the community following the death of the minor inside the burned residence.
Officials reminded residents to remain cautious when using fire and cooking equipment, especially in homes constructed with light materials that may allow flames to spread rapidly.
Authorities continue to gather additional information as part of the ongoing inquiry into the fatal fire incident in Santander.
