After a sighting in January 2024 of the Philippine cobra, locally called “banakon," two more cobras were seen near a bamboo grove in the same barangay of Media Once, Toledo City, Cebu.

In a post on social media, the two cobras spotted in Sitio Cantigay were killed by residents for fear these might strike at their children. The cobras were then left hanging on a fence, straw string tied around the head.

According to netizen Clien Coritico to “GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak” that their neighbors saw the pair of “banakon” at around 3 p.m. of February 8, 2024. The snakes were said to have twined around each other while slithering through the bamboo grove.

Residents took turns reportedly in beating the snake to death, afraid these might strike at their children who play at the vicinity of the bamboo grove.

The second sighting of cobras already raised alarm among neighbors, he said.

Barangay Councilman Aldrin Rey Abarquez said that sightings should be reported also to the barangay and not just on social media platforms. He said the concern will be taken up by the barangay council.

“Hisgutan name sa barangay kon unsay angay buhaton kay mangutana sa mi ngadto sa City kon atua ba ng patyon kanang mga mananapa nga atong makit-an kay para gud nako diri sa Media Once, duol ra mig mga lugar nga naay lasang-lasang, nya what if naa na sila diha, nya kasagaran baya diri nag-farming,” Abarquez said.