A 21-YEAR-OLD woman was bitten by a snake while trekking at the Igbalalay Hills for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine pilgrimage in Barangay Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City last April 13.
The victim, Gilmae Rose Abriol, was among the almost 34,000 people who made the pilgrimage for Maundy Thursday.
According to Chief Inspector Ian Borinaga, who was assigned for the area security of the pilgrimage, the victim was crossing the river when she got bitten by the snake on the foot.
The said area was near the Station Three cross of the pilgrimage. Borinaga said that the specie of the snake is unidentified as of Saturday night.
After being given first aid treatment by medical personnel, Abriol was immediately rushed to JR Borja Memorial Medical Hospital for treatment. She survived.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine is an iconic spot for pilgrimages during the Holy Week. Since it was built in May 1987, thousands of Catholics every year trek for three kilometers from Barangay Tablon to Barangay Balubal, crossing about nine rivers in order to reach the shrine.