Dec 20, 2016

AFTER 20 REPORTED DEATHS Local exec orders Cotabato faith healer to stop healing practice

GMA News
December 17, 2016

KIDAPAWAN CITY —The vice mayor of Mlang town in North Cotabato has ordered a faith healer to desist from his practice following reports that at least 20 people had died after receiving treatment from him.

Vice mayor Joselito Pinol on Saturday personally delivered a demand letter to the faith healer identified as Rex Tungcua, a.k.a. "Bosing."

But scores of townsfolk with ailments continue to troop to remote Purok Maharlika of Barangay Bagontapay, with some of them setting up makeshift shelters near the Tungcua's house.

Since August, over hundred patients from various Cotabato towns have stayed in hopes they will be healed of their ailments.

“If he defied the order, I will personally file charges against him in court, once the 10-day ultimatum has expired,” Pinol said.

Pinol’s ultimatum came after the Municipal Health Office and the Department of Health reported that Tungcua may have violated Republic Act 2382 or the Medical Act, Illegal Structure and Sanitation.

Citing reports, the vice mayor said that at least 20 patients who had undergone healing from Tungcua had died due to wrong medications.

“I instructed the families of those [who] perished to file charges against the faith healer. But they are hesitant. I don’t know what their reasons are,” he said.

But Tungcua insisted that his practice is a gift from God, and that he never collects payment for his services. However, patients give cash donations.

Last Tuesday, hundreds of Tungcua’s supporter gathered at the Mlang Municipal Plaza asking the local government to consider Bosing’s ways of healing, especially that most of his clients the sick poor coming from impoverished areas in the province.

But Pinol said Tungcua must stop his practice as it is against the law. —Williamor Magbanua/LBG, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/592807/news/regions/local-exec-orders-cotabato-faith-healer-to-stop-healing-practice

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