CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — An inactive pastor allegedly driven by jealousy and resentment over a failed relationship is being linked to a devastating fire that damaged nearly 90 houses and affected close to 400 residents in Sta. Cruz II, Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, early Friday, September 11, 2026.
Delmor Navarro, described in reports as an inactive pastor and former student of the ministry, later surrendered to Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy on Saturday, September 12, after reportedly expressing deep remorse over the incident.
Escorted by Cagayan de Oro City Police Office Director Police Colonel Dexter Paje, Navarro appeared before Uy during the weekly KUYug ta sa Serbisyo sa Baryo (KSB) program in Barangay Carmen.
Navarro reportedly surrendered after receiving threats to his life following the fire.
During his appearance before the mayor, Navarro became emotional and apologized to the residents and families who were affected by the blaze.
According to accounts attributed to Navarro, he had intended only to burn the house of his former partner, identified in reports as Carol or Carolina, following the deterioration of their relationship.
He reportedly said he had been struggling with relationship problems and emotional stress for more than two years. Jealousy and resentment allegedly worsened his emotional state until he decided to set fire to his former partner’s house.
The alleged suspect reportedly admitted that he never intended for the fire to spread to neighboring homes.
The flames, however, quickly reached nearby structures, resulting in widespread damage in the community.
Nearly 90 houses were reportedly damaged, while close to 400 residents were affected and forced to evacuate or seek temporary shelter.
Among the properties reportedly damaged was the ancestral house of Police Major Mario Mantala, chief of the Carmen Police Station.
Navarro reportedly broke down while asking forgiveness from the residents who were caught in the consequences of the alleged act of arson.
He reportedly expressed regret that his personal problems and jealousy had overwhelmed his judgment.
Reports said Carol had previously chosen to end or distance herself from the relationship, reportedly following advice intended to prevent further conflict.
Navarro allegedly took the separation as a personal rejection and said his pride was hurt by the situation.
But the consequences extended far beyond the failed relationship.
Families who had no involvement in the dispute lost homes and property as the fire spread from one structure to another.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and determine the appropriate charges against Navarro based on the evidence gathered.
The case highlights the potentially devastating consequences when personal disputes and relationship conflicts escalate into violence or deliberate destruction of property.
What the alleged suspect reportedly intended as an attack on one former partner ultimately affected an entire neighborhood, leaving dozens of families dealing with damaged homes and nearly 400 residents displaced or otherwise affected by the fire.