A man died after being bitten and strangled by a 3.5-meter-long python, locally known as “magkal,” at a dike in Barangay Bolilao in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, early Sunday morning, Jan. 11.
The victim, who sustained bites on his knees and arms, was identified as Julius Perez, 35, of Hibao-an Sur in the same district.
According to Capt. Val Cambel, Office-in-charge of Iloilo City Police Station 10, Perez died of strangulation.
The victim was found lying motionless in front of the house of another resident around 4 a.m. with the snake wrapped around his neck.
“Possibly natapakan niya ining magkal kag ginkagat ini sa tuhod kag pagkagatginpuluputan siya sang man-og,” said Cambel.
“Sang nakit-an sang mga tawo sa palibot, dali-dali sila nangayo bulig kag ginpatay ini nga magkal. Pag-bot sang responders dito nabal-an nga [patay na] ang biktima,” he continued.
Residents said they would see snakes at the creek often but it was the first time they saw one this big.
While pythons are non-venomous snakes, they can still inflict harm and even kill humans, if provoked, by wrapping their muscular body tightly around them.IMT
