SAN ISIDRO, DAVAO ORIENTAL — A 17-year-old student of the Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU)–San Isidro Campus has died after reportedly being bitten by a banakon or King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) within the premises of her home in Katipunan, Bato-bato, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, on September 20, 2026.
The victim was identified by the DOrSU–San Isidro Campus Student Council as Aiko Pantaleon, who was reportedly bitten on the foot at around 8 a.m. while she was on the balcony of their home.
According to the initial account, Pantaleon did not notice that the snake was behind her before the bite occurred.
She was immediately brought to a hospital for medical treatment but reportedly died despite efforts to save her.
Residents subsequently killed the snake identified in the report as a banakon or King Cobra.
Remembering Aiko
News of Pantaleon’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from her fellow students and friends.
In a statement, the DOrSU–San Isidro Campus Student Council described Pantaleon as a well-loved student whose presence brought warmth and laughter to her circle of friends and classmates.
Her peers reportedly remembered her as approachable, dependable and generous, despite being naturally shy. They described her as someone who was always willing to help others and readily accompanied friends when they needed support.
Her friends also recalled her willingness to lend her personal belongings and assist others even when she herself was tired.
For those who knew her, her death was not simply the loss of a young student but the loss of a friend who, at only 17, still had many dreams and years ahead of her.
The student council extended its condolences to Pantaleon’s family and friends, who are now facing the sudden loss of a young member of their community.
A tragic reminder of the danger of snakebites
Pantaleon’s death also highlights the potentially deadly consequences of encounters between people and venomous snakes.
The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is a highly venomous snake, and a bite can require urgent medical intervention. Snakebite envenoming can cause severe and potentially life-threatening complications, making rapid access to appropriate medical care critical.
The incident likewise serves as a reminder that residents should exercise extreme caution when encountering snakes in or around their homes.
People should avoid approaching, provoking or attempting to capture a snake themselves. Where circumstances permit, residents should keep a safe distance and contact appropriate authorities or trained wildlife personnel.
Wildlife protection and human safety
At the same time, the reported killing of the snake raises an important wildlife-conservation issue.
Under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, various acts involving wildlife—including unauthorized killing, collection, hunting, possession, transport and maltreatment—are prohibited, subject to the law’s specific provisions and exceptions.
Importantly, however, RA 9147 also recognizes situations involving an immediate threat to human life. Section 27 provides an exception when killing wildlife is necessary to prevent an imminent danger to the life or limb of a human being.
Wildlife protection therefore does not mean that people should endanger themselves when confronted with a dangerous snake. Human safety must be taken seriously when an immediate threat exists.
But when there is no immediate danger, the proper response should be to avoid unnecessary confrontation and seek assistance from authorities or qualified wildlife handlers.
The death of Aiko Pantaleon is ultimately a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly an ordinary day can become a family tragedy.
At 17, she had a lifetime of possibilities ahead of her. Her classmates and friends now remember her not only for the circumstances of her death, but for the kindness, generosity and companionship they said she gave them while she was alive.
Her family and friends now face the difficult task of grieving and moving forward while carrying her memory with them.
May Aiko Pantaleon rest in peace.