Family mourns as 35-year-old man dies from snake constriction in Iloilo

• A 35-year-old man named Julius Perez was found dead after being constricted by a three-meter-long snake in Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao
• Local residents had to decapitate the 12-kilo snake to release the victim from its grip, but emergency efforts were unable to revive him
• Police investigators believe the victim may have accidentally stepped on the reptile while walking to a wake, triggering a violent defensive attack
• Medical findings confirmed that the victim died of constriction and impeded blood circulation due to the extreme pressure of the snake's coil

A quiet evening in Mandurriao, Iloilo turned into a scene of horror after a man lost his life in a rare and terrifying encounter with a massive snake. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Julius Perez, a resident of Hibao-an Sur, was found lifeless in Barangay Bolilao on Friday.

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The discovery was made in front of a resident's house, where a chilling video captured the snake tightly coiled around Perez’s neck. The man was already motionless when neighbors arrived. In a desperate attempt to save him, residents used a blade to cut off the head of the snake to release its grip. Despite their quick actions, they were too late to save Perez.

According to the Iloilo City Police Station 10, the snake was estimated to be three meters long and weighed approximately 12 kilos. Capt. Val Camblel, the Office-in-charge, explained the physiological cause of the tragedy. “Constriction ng katawan ng tao. Kung kinu-constrict ang katawan natin, ini-impede ang blood circulation at ang flow ng hangin or oxygen sa ating katawan,” he said.

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Police investigations suggest that the encounter was likely an accident. Perez was only in the area to attend a wake. Authorities believe he may have stepped on the snake in the dark, prompting the reptile to bite his knees and arms before coiling around his upper body. While residents admit that snakes are occasionally spotted near the local creek, they noted that they had never seen one of this size before. Although the barangay maintains that the area is cleaned regularly, the presence of such a large predator has left the community in shock.

The Philippines is home to various species of snakes, including the Reticulated Python, which can grow to significant lengths. While these reptiles usually avoid human contact, urban expansion and flooding often push them closer to residential areas. In many provinces, snakes are found near creeks, and tall grasslands where they hunt for small animals. Authorities often remind the public to be cautious when walking in dimly lit or vegetated areas, especially during the rainy season when reptiles are more active. Fatalities from constriction are considered rare but extremely dangerous due to the immense muscle power these animals possess.

The tragedy in Iloilo serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife even in semi-urban settings. This incident follows other recent reports of snake-related injuries across the country, highlighting an increasing need for public awareness.

In a separate terrifying incident in Davao City, a woman was shocked to find herself a victim of a snake bite while she was fast asleep inside her home. The victim felt a sharp pain and discovered a snake had entered her room, leading to a frantic search by her family members. Fortunately, she received immediate medical attention to treat the wound.

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Residents in Legazpi City were recently alerted to the presence of a massive python caught swimming through floodwaters. The snake was spotted by locals as water levels rose, causing alarm among families living nearby. Brave residents managed to capture the reptile before it could cause any harm to the community or livestock.

Source: KAMI.com.gh