Filipino woman detained in Kuwait for practicing sorcery

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / October 20, 2009) – Kuwaiti authorities arrested a Filipino woman accused of practicing black magic in the Arab state, reports said on Tuesday.

The Arab Times said police raided a house in Al-Qurain and arrested the Filipino woman. Police also seized magic charms from the woman who was not identified by Kuwaiti authorities.

The report said the woman offered her services to an undercover police agent in exchange for KD250. And that her arrest was covered by a warrant from the Kuwait’s Public Prosecution. It said the Filipino would be deported to the Philippines.

“It has been reported the suspect was caught red-handed when she offered her services to a police agent in return for KD 250. Police have allegedly seized from the woman magic charms and various types of tools used in the trade in addition to the marked police money and referred her to the authorities to prepare her deportation from the country,” the report said.

It was unknown whether the women was caned or not, but in her native country, witchcraft and sorcery are not uncommon even though majority of the Filipinos are Catholics. Many of those who practice black magic use this as miracle remedies for believers and trade for some in far-flung areas and remote Filipino provinces.

Last year, an Indian man was also arrested and detained in Kuwait for practicing sorcery. Police seized from the man a list of names of customers and amulets and charms. The practice of sorcery or witchcraft or black magic is illegal in Kuwait. (Mindanao Examiner)