Manila, Sept. 11 -- An estimated PHP4.5 million in properties were destroyed by a fire at dawn on Friday in this city, with authorities suspecting it was arson.

In an interview, Fire Officer-2 Angelou Daisog said 397 individuals or 106 families were affected in Sitio Santa Cruz, Barangay Lapasan, where 92 houses were razed. The damaged area covered at least 3,000 square meters.

"We are looking into the possibility of arson, as there were reports that some witnesses allegedly saw an individual who quarreled with one of the homeowners," he said.

However, Daisog said they are still investigating the incident and weighing the evidence on that angle in coordination with the police.

No injuries or casualties were reported by the Bureau of F...