President Roxas, Cotabato – August 25, 2025
A tragic incident claimed the life of a two-year-old girl in Sitio Kimamaan, Barangay Salat, President Roxas, Cotabato, after she was bitten by a cobra inside their home on Sunday morning, August 24.
The victim was identified as Bai Bia Abas Ampatuan, 2 years and 7 months old, daughter of local resident Mocre Ampatuan.
According to initial reports, the child was playing inside their home around 10:30 a.m. while her mother was busy with chores when a cobra, described by locals as having a yellow underside and believed to be a Samar Cobra, suddenly entered the house. The snake struck the child on her finger.
The girl managed to cry out, which allowed her mother to drive the snake away. However, with only the mother and child at home, they were unable to kill the cobra. The mother waited for her husband to arrive so they could bring the child to the hospital, but the delay proved fatal. After about an hour of struggling from the venom, the child died before medical help could be reached.
Following Islamic tradition, the girl was immediately laid to rest by her family and community.
This marks the second snakebite-related fatality recorded in North Cotabato in the same week, raising alarm among residents over the growing threat of venomous snakes in rural communities.
Local authorities reminded the public to remain vigilant, especially in areas where snakes are commonly sighted, and urged households to secure their homes and surroundings to prevent similar tragedies.