WARNING TO THE PUBLIC: CONSECUTIVE APPEARANCE OF COBRAS IN BATANGAS, CAUSING CONCERN IN THE COMMUNITY
Batangas, August 6, 2025 – A shocking and dangerous incident shook a barangay in Batangas when residents found a cluster of cobras — a known highly venomous species of snake in the Philippines — appearing in one area, just a few meters away from houses and farms.
Photos and videos of the crawling snakes quickly spread on social media, causing fear throughout the community. According to authorities, this is a serious safety threat , especially to children and the elderly.
HOW WERE COBRAS FOUND?
The incident began when a local farmer was repairing a ditch at the edge of his rice field. Unexpectedly, he saw a large snake that he immediately recognized as a cobra. But he was shocked when more than 20 snakes appeared one after another in the same area.
“It was like they were coming from underground, one after another, you thought they would never end,” said Mang Rolly, the farmer who first saw the snakes.
IMMEDIATE ACTION BY AUTHORITIES
After the incident, barangay officials, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were immediately alerted. BFP personnel are trained in wildlife rescue operations and immediately responded to safely capture and evacuate the snakes.
Using specialized equipment, they successfully rescued the cobras and moved them to a safer area. According to the DENR, they are in the active breeding stage , so it is possible that there are still nests of eggs in the area.
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY COBRAS IN ONE PLACE?
According to experts, it is possible that the area has long been home to cobras and has not been disturbed—until recently, when excavation, tree felling, or land development caused disruption to their habitat .
“Wildlife, like snakes, naturally avoid humans. But when their habitat is affected, they themselves approach communities,” explained Engr. Dela Peña of DENR CALABARZON.
COBRA: DANGEROUS ENEMIES IN THE ENVIRONMENT
The cobra is one of the most dangerous snakes in the country. Their venom can cause:
Numbness of the body
Difficulty breathing
Blood poisoning
Death if not treated immediately
Its venom takes effect quickly, and a cobra bite can be fatal within just a few hours .
STEPS BEING TAKEN NOW
To maintain everyone’s safety, here are the steps the local government is taking:
Conducting clearing operations and fencing off the affected area
Patrolling wildlife rescue teams
Conducting community education drives for the proper handling of wildlife sighting incidents
Children and residents are prohibited from approaching the area while the investigation continues.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE PUBLIC
The following are reminders from authorities to avoid danger:
Of the :
Report to the barangay immediately if you see a snake in the area.
Keep the yard clean: remove piles of wood, rocks, or trash that could become a hiding place for snakes.
Teach children not to approach or play with anything crawling on the ground.
Lock windows and doors, especially at night.
DON’Ts:
Do not attempt to kill or capture a snake if you do not have sufficient knowledge.
Don’t spread false information on social media.
Do not let pets outside the house at night.
COBRA IS ALSO PART OF NATURE
Although dangerous, cobras play an important role in the balance of the ecosystem—they eat rats and other pests. But when they come near homes, it is only right to implement protection for human life , along with proper and humane handling of wildlife species.
CONCLUSION
The incident in Batangas is a serious reminder for everyone to be vigilant, especially in areas near forests, farmlands, or rivers. The entire community, including the authorities, must work together to ensure everyone’s safety while continuing to respect nature.
Ultimately, caution is not fear—it is intelligence. If nature is changing, we must move with it… with respect and knowledge.
For immediate reports of wildlife sightings, contact:
Important Hotlines in the Philippines
Agency / Service
Phone Number
National Emergency Hotline
911 (nationwide – fire, medical, police)
BFP – Wildlife Rescue Unit
(02) 8426‑0219 / (02) 8426‑0246
DENR Calabarzon Field Office
(049) 540‑3367 / 
0919‑874‑4369
Barangay Hotline
Contact the nearest Barangay Hall
