COTABATO CITY, Philippines ? A con man posing as journalist Erwin Tulfo gypped the wife of a Maguindanao massacre victim out of P10,000 in cash.

Argie, 29, wife of slain journalist John Caniban, told radio dxMS here that ?Erwin Tulfo? approached her in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, last Thursday and told her she and the families of other victims would be receiving financial assistance.

?The man appeared formal, sweet talker and decent,? Argie said.

She said the man asked her if she had any bank account to which the ?financial assistance? would be deposited.

Since she had none, the man volunteered to open an account for her in a local bank and asked her for P10,000 as an initial deposit.

Still reeling from the tragedy that befell her husband, Argie shelled out P10,000 in cash and handed it over to the man.

She said she was unfamiliar with Erwin Tulfo?s television or radio program but did not bother to ask.

?Since then I have not seen the man...,? she said. "God will take care of his deeds."