07 Jun Transgender Burned to Death in a Fire in Villa Trinitas
On Monday, June 6, before sunrise, a fire broke out in Villa Trinitas killing 1 person who is known to be a transgender and badly injured her partner who suffered third-degree burns.
The fire occurred specifically in Phase 1-A, Lot 25, Block 3, Villa Trinitas Subdivision in Barangay Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City. The victim is confirmed to be Ritchie Gonzales, also known as Paloma, a 33-year-old transgender from Koronadal, Cotabato.
Her partner is Rene Nigabatan, 32 years old. Due to his third degree burns, Nigabatan is now healing at Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC).
According to SFO1 Jose Valmores, “Beyond recognition na gyud ang victim sa dihang nasudlan namo.”
Gonzales could have saved his life if he would not have got back up into the house to get his laptop.
His leave-in partner said, ““Napagawas pa gani namo ang motorcycle para dili maapil pero wala ko kabantay nga misulod siya og balik.”
Gonzales had his living through his online business, while Nigabatan is into selling motorcycle parts and accessories.
The estimated loss of the fire according to the authorities is around P200 thousand.
It was recorded that the fire started at 3:45 am and was extinguished at 4:40 am. Firewalls from neighboring houses prevented the fire from spreading.
The cause of the fire is yet to be discovered. Some witnesses said that it started in the ceiling, suggesting that a faulty electrical wiring caused the fire.
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