Man stabbed dead over ‘kulam’

MANILA, Philippines — An elderly person with disability was stabbed dead in Malabon City on Thursday by a woman who suspected him of casting a spell or “kulam” that caused her to miscarry.

Joel Tilar Tud, 67, who worked as a “hilot” or a person who practices a type of traditional healing massage, was declared dead at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Hospital from several stab wounds.

According to a report sent to Malabon police chief Col. Albert Barot, Beverly Sagansay, 31, knocked on the door of Tud’s house in Barangay Catmon and reportedly stabbed the victim repeatedly with a 13-inch kitchen knife when he opened the door.

She then tried to run away but his family and neighbors mobbed her, leading to her arrest by police.

Sagansay accused Tud of hexing her and causing her miscarriage in 2019.

City police investigation unit chief Maj. Patrick Alvarado said Sagansay could have been suffering from postpartum depression.