Desperate to save ailing mother Woman falls victim to con "faith healer"

CEBU, Philippines - A woman desperate to save her ailing mother paid over P80,000 to a “faith healer” after she was told that her mother is on the verge of death but he can do miracles to heal her.

The woman, who requested anonymity, lives in Mandaue City, yesterday went to the Cebu City Police Office to file another complaint against Arman Cuban, a radio blocktimer, who was arrested for swindling last Sunday.

The victim said she has been looking for Cuban after the latter duped her into paying P87,500 to heal her ailing mother until she read on the newspaper about his arrest.

According to the victim, she was then very desperate about her mother’s condition until she read about the suspect’s alleged “mystical” healing powers on a tabloid’s advertisement.

The woman said she immediately called the numbers of the advertisement on July 12 and was able to spoke Cuban. The victim admitted she was amazed by Cuban’s ability because the latter was able to tell some of the very vital events of her life even without her telling him about it.

 “Pag-ingon niya nga mamatay akong mama pagka ugma nag-pakiluoy gyud ko niya, pag-ingon niya’g P8,500 ang bayad, nahunong akong hilak pero ingon gyud ko nga bisa’g pila mo bayad ko basta ma buhi lang akong mama,” the victim said.

Cuban met her at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport the following day after paying him via a bank-to-bank transaction. She and Cuban went to St. Vincent General Hospital where her mother was confined for complications of diabetes.

“Pag-adto namog St. Vincent, iya gyud nang gi-tambalan akong mama.. naayo ug mi-gawas gyud akong mama anang adlawa sa ospital,” the victim added.

After the supposed “healing” the victim said her mother was already able to urinate and sleep soundly.

Even the doctors were allegedly puzzled why her mother was “mysteriously” healed. However, Cuban called her on July 14 claiming that she still owes him P335,000 for the purchase of the black candles that were used for a ritual for the full recovery of her mother.

The victim said Cuban continued calling and threatened her that if she fails to give the amount her mother would be dead.

“Sige pag ayaw mong magbayad, mama mo patay na next week,” the victim quoted Cuban as saying.

After failing to secure the amount, her mother was rushed to the North General Hospital on that same day after her mother’s illness suddenly returned.

“Nag-ampo ra gyud mi na madakpan ra gyud siya sa lain, kay kun ma dakpan siya, mo apil nalang mi,” the said.

Cuban was caught Sunday morning after over two weeks of search by a complainant who was also swindled by him. — (FREEMAN)