MOLAVE, Zamboanga del Sur – A 33-year-old man allegedly set a motorcycle on fire after becoming enraged when its owner refused to lend him money, authorities reported following an incident late Thursday night in Barangay Sudlon, Molave.
The motorcycle, a Yamaha YTX 125 with a sidecar, was heavily damaged after it was engulfed in flames at around 11:50 p.m. in Purok 1 of the village.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Molave Municipal Police Station, the suspect, identified only by the alias “Marlon,” went to the residence of the motorcycle owner and requested a loan. However, the owner declined his request.
Police said the suspect allegedly became furious and reportedly threatened to burn the family’s motorcycle after failing to obtain the money he wanted.
Concerned about the threat, the motorcycle owner sought assistance from local police authorities. However, when the owner later returned home with responding officers, they discovered that the Yamaha motorcycle with sidecar had already been set ablaze.
Firefighters from the Molave Municipal Fire Station immediately responded to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties.
Authorities believe the burning of the motorcycle was an act of retaliation after the suspect’s request for financial assistance was denied.
The vehicle sustained extensive damage, although no injuries or casualties were reported during the incident.
Police initially launched a hot pursuit operation to apprehend the suspect, who was believed responsible for the arson attack. Subsequent reports indicated that the man later surrendered to authorities.
Investigators are still determining the exact amount of property damage caused by the fire. Meanwhile, authorities continue to gather evidence and establish all circumstances surrounding the incident as they prepare possible charges against the suspect.
The case highlights the dangers of disputes escalating into acts of violence and destruction, with local authorities reminding residents to seek lawful means of resolving personal conflicts rather than resorting to criminal acts.
An ongoing investigation is expected to determine the full extent of the suspect’s liability and the appropriate legal actions to be taken.