A family’s storage shed filled with stuffed toys went up in flames in San Jacinto, Pangasinan, and CCTV footage later led authorities to a surprising suspect: a 16-year-old relative.

CCTV video from Sitio Sagur in Barangay San Vicente showed smoke rising from the makeshift bodega before people rushed in with pails of water on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Firefighters extinguished the blaze quickly, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes.

But when the family reviewed the full footage, they noticed their relative, a minor, inside the compound at the time of the fire.

Police later called the boy and his father for questioning.

“Pinatawag iyong bata together with his father, and then inamin po ng bata na siya iyong nagsunog ng bahay. However, hindi naman po niya dinisclose kung paano niya sinunog at bakit,” PMAJ. Napoleon Velasco Jr., chief of the San Jacinto Police Station, said.

The revelation shocked the owners of the burned shed.

“Galit na galit iyong magulang. Hindi niya kinokonsinti. Umiiiyak na nga magulang niya, sabi niya, ‘Hindi ka na nahiya? Kamag-anak pa natin pinag-aano mo,’” Rebecca Bino, mother of the shed’s owner, said.

The family also learned that three days before the fire, the same teenager allegedly broke into their house by climbing through the kitchen window. Items were scattered on the floor, and cash placed on top of the refrigerator went missing.

“Ang daming bigas diyan, wala namang kinuha. Basta iyong mga bangles na gold, mga rosegold,” Billy Romero, father-in-law of the homeowner, said.

Authorities have turned the minor over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

“Iyong suspek natin is 16 years old. According to law naman, once na iyong minor may discernment, puwede pa rin siyang managot,” Velasco said.

Police continue to investigate the case while the family works to recover from the damage and loss.