How common is the practice of psychic surgery in the Philippines and what are the beliefs and controversies surrounding it?

Psychic surgery, a controversial practice in which healers claim to remove illnesses without using surgical instruments, was popular in the Philippines in the 20th century. However, it has since been widely discredited as a fraudulent and dangerous practice. Despite this, some individuals still believe in its effectiveness due to cultural and spiritual beliefs. Critics argue that psychic surgery exploits vulnerable individuals and can lead to serious health risks. Overall, the practice of psychic surgery is not widely accepted in the medical community and is considered a pseudoscience.