Woman from Davao del Norte sets herself on fire because of jealousy

A woman from Davao del Norte set herself on fire after getting jealous of another woman who was messaging and calling her husband on Facebook.

According to “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the incident occurred at a market in Panabo City on Monday, March 7.

Eyewitnesses said they saw flames on the woman’s hair but it was immediately doused with water. They think the woman, who still walked by herself after the incident, relit the fire which burned her face.

The woman, “Marie,” was taken to the emergency room of the Southern Philippines Medical Center for treatment. Her face was swollen and blackened, her ears and lips had wounds, and her eyes were closed.

According to Dr. Mark Joseph Del Fierro, Chief of the Surgery Department, “Marie” burned her throat by inhaling the flames. There is a danger of complications since her airway is swollen and may close, which could prevent her from breathing.

The doctor said that Marie heard voices before the incident, so she was also referred to a psychiatrist.

Marie said seeing another woman on her husband’s Facebook account back in February made her angry and led her to do what she had done.

“May kasama siyang iba doon sa Messenger. Kasi hindi nakuntento sa mundo,” she said.

[“He was talking with someone else on Messenger.”]

“Nagseselos ako bakit siya palaging nag-vi-video call sa asawa ko, nag-chat sa asawa ko,” she added.

[“I was jealous [because] she would always be on a video call with my husband or would constantly send him a message”]

Her husband, “Jake," denied these allegations and said that he did not know the woman “Marie” was jealous over.

Marie’s mom, “Nanay Lita,” believes otherwise.

“Dati pa kahit pa nandoon sa bahay. Ang babae kasi ang nag-vi-video call kay Jake,” she said.

[“He’s been talking to that woman for a long time. She would call him constantly.”]

“Imposible naman no na ang picture niya at ang picture ng babae pinag-isa kung wala silang relasyon,” she said.

[“It’s impossible that they’d have a picture together if they didn’t have a relationship.”]

"Nanay Lita" also said "Jake" could be physically hurting her daughter, but Marie only told her family that she was pushed and still defended her husband.

“Ipaghiwalay ko na lang sila dahil mamamatay talaga siyang tuluyan kung hindi sila maghiwalay,” she added.

[“I want them to separate because she might end up dead if they continue their relationship.”]

“Jake," meanwhile, assured Marie that he loves her.

"Baby huwag ka nang mag-ganyan baby. Huwag ka nang mag-isip ng mga hindi mabubuti. Basta ang importante baby, mahal na mahal kita baby ha?”

[“Baby, don’t be like this. Don’t think about things that are not good. What’s important is that I love you very much.”]

Nanay Lita is asking for help with their medical expenses, as Marie would need long-term care due to her injuries. You may send your donations to:

BANK: BPI
BRANCH: BPI Lanang Davao City
Account Name: Noe Jr Jakosalem
Account Number: 022 900 3769
Mobile Number: 0955 432 6403 / 0951 801 3222

GCASH ACCOUNT:
NAME: NOE JR JAKOSALEM
NUMBER: 0951 801 3222

If you need or know someone who needs to talk to someone, Hopeline, the 24/7 suicide prevention hotline, may be reached at (02) 804-4673; 0917-5584673.

—MGP, GMA News