By JONATHAN HICAP
The 28-year-old man who was doused with gasoline and set on fire in Taguig City last month, allegedly due to jealousy, has died.
James Garmino Villaruel, who suffered third degree-burns in the attack, passed away in a hospital on July 20 – exactly one month after the horrific incident on June 20 in Barangay Pitogo, Taguig City.
His mother, Jean Garmino, and aunt, Bhabie Garmino, announced his passing.
“Toto James Garmino i miss you so much nak,” Jean Garmino posted on Facebook.
Bhabie Garmino wrote, “Toto James Garmino alam nman naming lumaban k e, peru hanggang dito k nlng tlga. Wag mung patulugin yung gumawa sayo niyan, hayop siya kriminal. Ok lang yan to no more pain, fly high to ok lang kami dito always ka nmin maalala love n love ka nmin alam mu yan. RIP pamangkin fly high. I love you always James Garmino.”
The suspect was identified by Taguig police as Gregorio, 43, a machine operator, and a resident of Quezon City.
The incident happened at about 10:22 p.m. last June 20. Villaruel, a maintenance employee, was sitting outside their home with other people when Gregorio arrived with a container.
Driven by jealousy, he poured gasoline on Villaruel, set him on fire and fled. The incident was captured on CCTV.
Villaruel’s hospital bill reached P1 million, according to a July 19 post by his relative on Facebook.
The suspect is still at large.
