A man died after he was reportedly bitten by a highly venomous snake locally known as a “banakon,” believed by residents to be a king cobra, while working on his farm in Barangay Upper Lumabat, Malungon, Sarangani Province.
The incident has raised concern among residents, particularly those working in farms and other areas where snakes may be present.
Based on information shared by the victim’s relatives and members of the community, the man was bitten while working in his farm. His condition reportedly deteriorated following the snakebite, and he eventually died from the effects of the venom.
The reported cause of death was snakebite.
A relative, identified in a social media appeal as a family member of the victim, called on the Municipality of Malungon to strengthen emergency preparedness and access to snakebite treatment in barangays following the fatal incident.
The appeal urged local authorities to consider making antivenom or appropriate snakebite treatment supplies available at barangay health facilities, or to establish a clear and rapid referral system that would allow snakebite victims to receive first aid and be transported immediately to a health facility capable of providing definitive treatment.
The family also emphasized the importance of time in responding to snakebite emergencies, particularly when the bite is suspected to have come from a highly venomous species.
The victim, identified by his family as “Jun,” was described as still young and the father of a small child. His death left his family and community mourning what relatives described as a life cut short.
“Rest in Peace, Jun,” the relative wrote in a public appeal, expressing grief over his death and concern for his young family.
The incident has also prompted renewed calls for greater awareness and preparedness in communities where residents regularly work in agricultural areas.
Farmers and other residents are being urged to exercise caution when entering fields, grasslands, wooded areas, piles of vegetation, and other places where snakes may seek shelter. People should avoid attempting to catch, handle or kill a snake, particularly when its species is unknown.
Snakebites can become medical emergencies, especially when venomous species are involved. Prompt medical evaluation and appropriate treatment are critical, and suspected snakebite victims should be brought to the nearest capable health facility as quickly and safely as possible.
The fatality in Upper Lumabat has underscored a broader concern raised by the victim’s family: that emergency medical response and access to appropriate snakebite treatment should be strengthened at the community level to help prevent future deaths.
For residents of rural communities such as Malungon, where agricultural work frequently brings people into close contact with natural habitats, the family hopes the tragedy will serve as a reminder of the need for faster emergency response, better preparedness and easier access to life-saving medical care.
The family’s appeal is ultimately a call for authorities and communities to ensure that no other family suffers a similar loss because treatment was delayed or unavailable when it was urgently needed.