NETIZEN Maven Fheb Pacatang Clarabal expressed deep concern for her family’s safety after discovering a snake in the toilet bowl of their comfort room in Motorpool, Purok Tipaz, Barangay Mangugpo East, Tagum City, on the morning of December 12, 2024.
In an interview with Superbalita Davao, Clarabal revealed that the snake, identified as a highly venomous Samar Cobra, was still inside their toilet as of Friday, December 13. It was last spotted at 9 a.m. "(Wala pa gyud nakuha ang cobra and wala pa sab napatay. Amo nang gibubuan og chlorine, ininit nga tubig, ahos, wala gyud siya mihawa sa unidoro) We haven’t caught the cobra yet, despite using chlorine, hot water, and garlic. It hasn’t left the toilet," Clarabal shared.
She suspects the snake entered through their septic tank, noting they have only been living in the area for three months. Clarabal is seeking urgent help to remove the snake, particularly since her children also use the same bathroom.
The Samar Cobra, or Southern Philippine Cobra, is endemic to Visayas and Mindanao. A "spitting" species, it can project venom when threatened. Though listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), wildlife protection laws prohibit killing, trading, or consuming the snake. Violations carry fines and prison terms of up to two years.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged the public to report any wildlife-related concerns for proper handling and rescue operations. JRN