Journalist's home targeted in alleged arson attempt

A journalist's home in Laguna, Philippines, was targeted in an alleged arson attempt early Thursday morning, July 16. Marlon Ramos, a journalist, and his wife were awakened by an explosion and thick smoke engulfing their kitchen around 2 a.m.

"The smoke is hurting my nose; it's so thick, it's suffocating," Ramos recounted in an interview. He immediately shouted for help as the fire was close to their guardhouse. Fortunately, neighbors and security personnel responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire before it could spread.

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The smoke is hurting my nose; it's so thick, it's suffocating.

The suspect, identified only as "Juber," is reportedly a 21-year-old acquaintance who allegedly poured gasoline into the kitchen and set it ablaze. Ramos stated that the suspect was someone they had treated like family, but Juber later claimed Ramos' son had been bullying him.

Ramos, however, clarified that his son and his classmates had been avoiding Juber due to his increasingly unusual behavior, strange remarks, and odd social media posts. The 21-year-old suspect was apprehended later that morning, and authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the alleged attack.

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I was already shouting for help because our house is very close to the guard house.