A string of complaints was filed yesterday against the 56-year-old woman who botched a buttocks enhancement procedure on two women in Cebu City.
Health authorities have also issued a warning against using the services of unlicensed cosmetic surgeons or practitioners, saying consequences could be fatal.
Gloria Rabor is facing charges of violating the Medical Act of 1959 (Republic Act 2382), two counts of estafa and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia before the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office.
Rabor who used her house in Kinasang-an, Pardo, Cebu City as a clinic was presented by police in an inquest proceeding before Assistant City Prosecutor Mario Ley Gidayawan.
In an interview , Rabor expressed remorse for practising without a license.
She said she used to work as an assistant of an obstetric gynecologist who performed cosmetic surgery for 10 years.
When her boss went abroad, Rabor decided to continue the work herself.
She said she performed noselifts on at least 10 clients but that no one complained.
Rabor said the two women asked her to perform buttocks enhancement in Bohol.
The two complainants, aged 34 and 37 sought the help of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Central Visayas (CIDG-7)after their buttocks got infected folllowing injections of collagen.
“Sayop gyud diay kaayo. Di na gyud ko mo-usab. Gaba na gyud ni. (What I did was wrong. I won’t do it again),” Rabor said.
She said she would face the charges.
Rabor was arrested by police in an entrapment operation in her home last Wednesday.
The CIDG-7 recovered several medical equipment and syringes at the site.
Rabor said she billed the two women P12,000 and P13,000 for her services.
WARNING
The public should seek licensed doctors and clinics for cosmetic surgery to avoid infections, which could be fatal, said Cebu City Health Officer Dr. Estella Ygonia.
Ygonia also suggested that victims of the botched butt surgery see a doctor to determine the extent of infection and get the appropriate medication.
Post-surgery infection is serious and in some cases, can cause death, Ygonia warned.
She also said referrals from friends are not enough proof of a doctor’s legitimacy.
Authorities find it hard to trace fake doctors who operate in clandestine clinics and victims do not usually complain, she added.
Professional Regulation Commission Director Dan Malayan said Rabor’s name is not found in their database of licensed physicians. /with Jessa J. Agua and Chito O. Aragon