Young man face raps for burning partner, daughter

A YOUNG man is facing two criminal charges before the Silay City Prosecutor’s Office in Negros Occidental for burning his partner and three-year-old daughter on December 9.

Superintendent Noel Polines, city police chief, said charges for frustrated homicide in relation to Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-violence Against Women and Children Act, and charges for frustrated parricide were filed yesterday morning against Cedie Gulmatico, 22, of Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City.

Early Sunday, Gulmatico arrived at the house of his partner’s parents and poured gasoline on the victims who were sleeping. He then lighted them with a lighter.

Both victims sustained second-degree burns and are confined at a hospital in Bacolod City.

Police recovered from the scene an empty plastic bottle of gasoline.

Polines said the suspect admitted before the fiscal that he’s using illegal drugs.

His 23-year-old partner also confirmed it to the police.

The drug use probably caused him to commit the crime, Polines said.

Police eyed jealousy as the motive after the suspect alleged that his partner is reportedly doing sexual favors in exchange of money.

Gulmatico, who surrendered to the police, through the assistance of his partner’s sister, is detained at Silay City Police Station.*