'Miracle doc' arrested over death of 15 yr old
Irate townsfolk barged into the town jail of Belison, Antique demanding for the release of "miracle doctor" June Danjiros-Umali. Nabbed Friday following a "home service" in nearby town of San Jose, Umali faces charges of illegal medical practice in violation of Republic Act 2383 and two other criminal raps. His arrest was pushed after the death of a 15 year-old patient whom he 'diagnosed' to be suffering from enlargement of the heart.
In a report, The News Today (TNT) gathered that authorities heard of the complaint of one Fausto Pajimulin of Barangay Poblacion, Belison, Antique. The complainant told police that his son Roberto was brought to the "miracle doc" Thursday morning due to stomach pains. When checked by Umali, the victim's father was told of the grim diagnosis and given a prescription of antibiotics and pain killer. Umali however refused to put the 15 year-old into his "miracle surgery" saying the patient was too weak and needed to be aided with an oxygen tank.
It was not immediately clear what transpired hours thereafter until the victim's father rushed his son to the local hospital for emergency treatment. When brought to the Belison Rural Health Unit, the 15 year-old was pronounced dead on arrival.
A local lawyer has now come out to take the cudgels for the arrested 'doctor' with bail being arranged for his temporary liberty. Latest information disclosed of police attempts to arrest Umali's wife and a sibling however it was not clear what charges await said family members.
The controversial self-proclaimed healer was tagged by locals as the "miracle doc" for alleged instant cure thru his painless 'surgery.' Belison Mayor Christopher Piccio has since come out though to warn the community against Umali's illegal practice while saying that not a single of said "cure" has been validated.
The 28 year-old 'doctor' claimed that his gift of magical and mysterious healing powers came after a dream five years ago. Word then got out and was passed around that caused a frenzy in Belison and throughout Antique province.
For weeks now, scores of the sick and the dying would visit his temporary resident in Barangay Burok-burok. Umali was quoted to have told local reporters that he can accommodate up to 30 patients and 30 "surgeries" a day.
Mayor Piccio in his warning said that once "Dr. Umali" actually lay his hands on a patient using any surgical equipment, he will immediately be arrested.
A local news correspondent of Bombo Radyo, Paul Petinglay said he was present in one of said surgery and had everything in video. He is expected to turn-over said documentation to Mayor Piccio after a request was made so the town will have evidence of Umali's illegal activities.
Mayor Piccio in warning the community further said danger is imminent and certain and he cannot allow such to happen. Foremost of what the mayor wants the people to understand is that while faith healing up to a point may be acceptable yet when one uses a blade or scalpel or anything as tool for the supposed miracle cure and quick surgery, then that is altogether a different matter and a crime in itself.
Umali is a native of Barangay San Vicente, Sablayan, Oriental Mindoro.
His supposed miraculous exploits included instant cure on nagging arthritis, a cyst and even cancer. He does not charge his patients, he clarified to local reporters however accepts "donations" with one happy patient reportedly paying him off P10,000 for a few minutes of "surgery"due to a lingering heart ailment.