Authorities are looking into depression as a possible factor behind the death of a 45-year-old man who allegedly set his house on fire and burned himself alive in Barangay Agusan Canyon, PI-3, Manolo Fortich on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The victim was identified as Regie “Jecjec” Dairo, a bachelor and resident of Purok Pinetree in the said barangay.
In an interview with local media, PLTCOL Rogie C. Ortencio, chief of the Philippine National Police station in Manolo Fortich, confirmed that no signs of foul play were found in the initial investigation conducted by authorities.
Ortencio said investigators are considering depression as a possible angle in the incident, noting that the victim may have been deeply affected by the death of his sibling in a stabbing incident last month.
Police disclosed that they received a report from a concerned citizen at around 12:40 p.m. regarding a fire incident in the area, prompting immediate response from both police officers and personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Based on social media exploitation and videos circulating online, authorities said the victim himself allegedly started the fire inside his home. Prior to the incident, Dairo reportedly went live on Facebook where he expressed emotional distress and grievances involving personal and family-related issues.
Investigators also noted that the victim was seen carrying a bottle believed to contain gasoline or thinner, which may have been used to ignite the blaze. Reports indicated that Dairo worked as a painter, giving him access to such flammable substances.
Authorities added that several neighbors attempted to enter the burning house to rescue the victim, but were reportedly stopped by Dairo himself.
After firefighters managed to control the fire at around 1:10 p.m., rescue personnel recovered the charred body of the victim from inside the burned structure.
The fire caused an estimated P30,000 worth of structural damage, but no other houses or individuals were affected by the blaze.
Ortencio also reminded the public that depression and emotional struggles should never be treated as a source of shame, emphasizing the importance of seeking help from family members, friends, and the community to prevent similar tragedies.
The incident has left residents of Agusan Canyon shocked and saddened, while authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire.