"Faith healer" arrested

CEBU, Philippines - A local radio blocktimer who claims to be a faith healer was arrested for allegedly swindling a woman of P45,000.

Arman Cuban, 48, was apprehended by elements of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Theft and Robbery Section yesterday morning.

Cuban, a native of Manila, claims he can predict the future, resolve love problems, among others.

 Irene (not her real name), who has a nurse friend based in the United Kingdom, asked him for help in a property dispute involving her friend.

Irene asked for Cuban’s assistance after she saw his ad placement on a local tabloid.

Cuban immediately arranged for a meeting with Irene on July 13 during which he allegedly asked P45,000 to buy 45 black candles to be used in the ritual to resolve her friend’s problem.

The candles reportedly caused P1,000 each.

Irene asked to divide the payment in two, but Cuban insisted that the payment should be in full in order for the ritual to work. She then paid Cuban in full through a bank-to-bank transaction.  

Since her payment, Irene called Cuban several times when they can conduct the ritual, but Cuban reportedly stopped answering her calls and replying her text messages.   Since then, Irene searched for Cuban’s whereabouts in the city.

On Sunday, a family friend told Irene that Cuban has a weekly radio program from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Together with the TRS personnel, Irene went to the radio station where she positively identified Cuban. The police waited for Cuban’s program to end before they arrested him.

The police recovered from Cuban P112,000 cash, three cell phones, an expired media ID card and several other items.

Cuban, however, was willing to pay Irene back in full, asking forgiveness for what he had done.

TRS chief Senior Police Inspector Rolando Pinili told The FREEMAN that Cuban will be charged for fraud or swindling.  (FREEMAN)