Rabies scare grips Iloilo after stray dog who had bitten over 20 still roams around

• An elusive stray dog has bitten over 20 residents, including children, in Barangay Pali-Benedicto, escalating fears of rabies infection within the community

• The aggressive dog has been a nuisance since last year, consistently evading capture despite multiple attempts by authorities and residents

• Distressed residents are appealing to the Iloilo City Veterinary Office for immediate action to apprehend the dog and prevent further harm

• The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded the public of crucial first aid steps for animal bites and the importance of prompt medical consultation at animal bite treatment centers to prevent rabies

Residents of Barangay Pali-Benedicto in Iloilo City are living in apprehension as an aggressive stray dog has reportedly bitten more than two dozen individuals, including several children, yet remains at large.

This concerning situation has intensified rabies fears within the community, prompting urgent appeals for immediate intervention.

According to official records maintained by the Barangay Pali-Benedicto council, over 20 bite incidents have been attributed to this specific canine.

This escalating number of attacks has generated significant anxiety among locals, particularly due to the inherent public health risks associated with uncontrolled animal bites, notably the potential for rabies infection, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

This problematic stray is not a new challenge for the barangay. Officials confirm that the dog has been a persistent nuisance since last year.

Despite multiple attempts to capture it, the animal has consistently evaded authorities and residents, leaving the community feeling vulnerable and frustrated by the ongoing threat.

The elusive nature of the dog has complicated efforts to secure it and mitigate the danger.

Distressed residents are now appealing to relevant authorities for decisive action to prevent further harm.

They express a fervent hope that the dog will finally be apprehended, restoring a sense of safety and peace of mind in the neighborhood.

In response, the Iloilo City Veterinary Office has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts to catch the animal, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the public's safety concerns.

In light of these incidents, the Department of Health (DOH) has reiterated crucial public health advisories.

They remind the public that immediate first aid is paramount following any animal bite, scratch, or even a lick from a potentially rabid animal.

Recommended protocol includes thoroughly washing the wound with clean water and soap for at least five minutes.

Subsequently, the wound should be disinfected, often with povidone-iodine. Crucially, individuals are strongly advised to seek prompt medical consultation at the nearest animal bite treatment center.

Rapid assessment and administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are vital in preventing the development of rabies.

The ongoing challenge of the biting stray underscores broader issues related to stray animal management in urban settings.

Local government units frequently face difficulties in controlling burgeoning stray populations, which can lead to significant public safety and health hazards.

Effective strategies typically encompass comprehensive animal control operations, robust public awareness campaigns promoting responsible pet ownership, and readily accessible vaccination programs to prevent such public health crises.

For the residents of Barangay Pali-Benedicto, the immediate priority remains the capture of this problematic stray to ensure the well-being of their community.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, an 80-year-old bedridden man and his 81-year-old wife perished in an early morning house fire in Bacolod City on June 30, 2025, with damage estimated at P3 million. The wife, Emelyn, reportedly tried to retrieve a fire extinguisher and turn back for her bedridden husband, Edison, before succumbing to the blaze, as indicated by her body's position and neighbor's CCTV footage. The couple was tragically alone in their home when the fire broke out, as their usual nighttime companion had an unexpected allergy attack, and Emelyn did not inform her children. Authorities are emphasizing the crucial need for families to have detailed emergency plans and ensure that bedridden and elderly individuals are never left unsupervised, especially at night, to prevent similar tragedies.

Still other news, a man in Taguig City was arrested for pretending to be a police officer and threatening a woman he owed ₱20,000. The suspect wore a police jacket and carried a radio but failed to present any PNP ID when questioned. Authorities found an unlicensed handgun and a sachet of suspected shabu near his residence. He faces charges of usurpation of authority, illegal possession of firearms, and possession of dangerous dr&gs.

Source: KAMI.com.gh