Lalaki, binawian ng buhay matapos umanong kumain ng snake turtle

• A 47-year-old man in Moises Padilla died after reportedly experiencing chest pain and breathing difficulty
• He allegedly ate a snake turtle earlier that morning before his condition suddenly worsened, K5 News FM reported
• Authorities attempted CPR at a municipal health facility, but the victim could not be revived
• DENR reminded the public that snake turtles are protected wildlife and consuming them may pose health and legal risks

A 47-year-old man from Sitio Can-amo in Barangay 6 Poblacion, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, died after reportedly suffering severe chest pain and difficulty breathing on Thursday afternoon, K5 News FM reported.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, rescuers received an emergency call at around 4:00 p.m. and immediately transported the victim to the Municipal Health Infirmary while providing supplemental oxygen during transit. Despite continuous monitoring and emergency response, medical personnel performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation upon arrival, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

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While being transported, responders tried to keep the patient conscious. He later disclosed that he had eaten a snake turtle earlier that morning as part of his meal. Family members said the man had gone to harvest crops but returned home before noon after feeling unwell.

The incident prompted renewed warnings from environmental authorities regarding the handling and consumption of snake turtles. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Negros Island Region explained that the species is sometimes kept as a pet but is typically confined to aquariums because it can be aggressive and may cause injury when it bites. The animal is carnivorous and is often viewed as a pest in rural areas because it feeds on fish in ponds and damages crops.

Officials acknowledged that some residents in remote communities consume snake turtles. However, they cautioned that while the animal may be considered edible, it can become toxic if it ingests poisonous substances that may accumulate in its body.

Authorities also emphasized that snake turtles, despite being classified as invasive, remain protected under the Wildlife Act of the Philippines. Capturing, harming, or eating the species may result in legal penalties, including possible imprisonment.

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In a separate incident, a 23-year-old businessman was killed in a vehicular crash in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, after a speeding driver allegedly struck a parked vehicle and then hit the victim, police said. The victim, Kingston Cheng, was standing near a restobar when the impact threw him against a post, causing fatal injuries. The 21-year-old suspect fled twice before crashing and being found without a valid license or registration. He remains under hospital arrest and may face charges. LTO-7 imposed a 90-day preventive suspension and set a Feb. 17, 2026 hearing, as business groups called for accountability and stronger road safety measures nationwide.

Meanwhile, a troubling video shared online shows a foreign national repeatedly striking a Filipino woman inside a Singapore shopping mall, an assault described as unprovoked that sparked widespread outrage. The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed that its labor attaché has located the victim, secured her safety, and is providing immediate assistance. Secretary Hans Cacdac said arrangements are underway for a medical evaluation and full legal support to ensure a formal complaint is filed. Authorities in Singapore and the Philippines are now coordinating an official investigation to hold the suspect accountable under Singapore’s strict public safety laws.

Source: KAMI.com.gh