Tragic river bath: Woman dies after sudden encounter with "Banakon"

• A woman tragically lost her life after being bitten by a King Cobra while she was bathing in a river in North Cotabato
• The victim was declared dead on arrival at the hospital because the snake’s venom spread through her body very quickly
• Angry witnesses and companions of the victim hunted down and killed the snake, which is locally known as "Banakon"
• The DENR and DOH have issued warnings regarding the breeding season of cobras and the legal protections for the species

What was supposed to be a refreshing day at the river turned into a nightmare for a woman in North Cotabato. While she was peacefully bathing, a King Cobra, known locally as "Banakon," suddenly attacked and bit her. Her companions tried to rush her to the nearest hospital, but the venom was too strong. Doctors declared her dead on arrival, noting that the toxins had already compromised her system before medical help could be administered.

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In the aftermath of the attack, the scene turned from panic to anger. Witnesses and those who were with the victim at the river immediately banded together to find the snake. Driven by fear and the desire for justice for their friend, they eventually caught and killed the cobra. While their reaction was a response to the trauma of the event, local authorities reminded the public that the King Cobra is actually a protected species under the law.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2019-09, King Cobras are classified as a "threatened species." This means their numbers in the wild are rapidly decreasing, and the law strictly prohibits the sale or killing of these reptiles. Even in cases of attacks, the government encourages the public to report sightings to experts rather than taking matters into their own hands.

The Department of Health (DOH) also stressed the importance of time when dealing with such emergencies. Patients bitten by a cobra only have 30 minutes to be rushed to the hospital and given first aid and anti-venom, the agency stated. Beyond this window, the chances of survival drop significantly as the neurotoxins begin to paralyze the respiratory system.

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In a related move to prevent further tragedies, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMO) in Alegria, Cebu has officially advised against hiking and camping. They explained that the months of January to April are the "breeding season" for cobras. During this time, the snakes are more active and are more likely to be found in forests or even near human communities.

Tragedies involving these deadly snakes have been a recurring concern in rural provinces. Recently, a 67-year-old farmer was found dead in Cotabato after a suspected attack by a King Cobra while he was working in his field. The elderly man was alone at the time, and his body was discovered by relatives who noticed he had not returned home for dinner.

In another heartbreaking incident from Davao de Oro, a young boy passed away after sustaining multiple bites from a cobra. The child was reportedly playing near their home when the snake struck several times, leaving him with little chance of recovery despite his parents' efforts to seek medical help. These cases highlight the growing danger of snake encounters during the warmer months of the year.

Source: KAMI.com.gh