In Manaoag, Pangasinan, a tragic incident unfolded as a 55-year-old mechanic reportedly set himself ablaze at a renowned pilgrimage site on Thursday, January 4.
The victim, Luisito Pineda Buenaventura from Barangay Botao, Santa Barbara, was found burned at Virgin’s Well, prompting a call to the police by Barangay Pugaro Kagawad Shaquille Muñoz.
Investigations revealed that a caretaker, Leonardo Dioso Mosada, discovered an unattended motorcycle in the parking area and later stumbled upon the charred remains in a grassy area nearby.
Upon contacting the authorities, the police identified the victim through his mobile phone, which contained a video filmed moments before his self-immolation around 11:42 a.m.
Reports suggest that the victim deliberately poured gasoline on himself and ignited the fatal fire. The Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Ela Camille Romero Baltazar, conducted a post-mortem examination as part of the investigation.
