Two Aetas set on fire in Isabela; one dead

MACONACON, Isabela -- An Aeta died while his fellow tribesman is fighting for his life after an irate neighbor doused them with gasoline and set them on fire in this isolated coastal town on Aug. 12. 

Isabela police director Senior Supt. Mariano Rodriguez said Fernando Sesuca died of second degree burns at a hospital here, where he was flown by plane for treatment together with Acorda Cortez who is under observation.

Reports reaching the police showed that the victims, who were drunk, caught the ire of Renato Castillejo.

Castillejo drenched the two drunken men with gasoline and burned them outside their hut at the seaside of Barangay Malasin last Thursday morning. 

Police officers immediately arrested Castillejo after the incident. -- Raymund Catindig