A woman died on Jan. 1 after being bitten by a king cobra in a remote area of Kulaman Valley in Arakan, North Cotabato, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Jenisa Mandi, 34, a resident of Barangay Gutalid in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.
In an interview with Brigada Bukidnon, Andres Lavidan, a cousin of the victim, said Mandi was with companions on their way to bathe in a stream when the incident happened. According to Lavidan, Mandi was suddenly bitten by a king cobra, locally known as “banakon,” while they were heading toward the river.
After the attack, the group managed to kill the snake and immediately attempted to bring Mandi to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag for treatment. However, she died before reaching the hospital.
Lavidan said the area where the bite occurred is far from the town proper, with travel time to Maramag taking about four hours. The long distance and difficult terrain contributed to the delay in getting medical assistance.
The incident happened in a mountainous and remote location in Arakan, where access to hospitals and emergency services remains limited.
Mandi’s remains were later returned to her family, who are now holding her wake.
