KORONADAL CITY, (Philippines): A 14-year-old girl died after sacrificing herself to save her three younger cousins from a king cobra attack while they were swimming in a river in Barangay Batian in Maitum, Sarangani, on Monday (July 13).
The victim, identified by her family as “Buding,” was swimming with her cousins at Crossing Kuda when a king cobra, locally known as “banakon” or “swaga”, suddenly appeared and headed toward the children.
According to the victim’s sister, Naib Mlah, “Buding,” the eldest among the group, did not run to save herself.
Instead, she embraced and shielded her younger cousins with her body to keep the snake away from them.
The snake bit her on the lower back instead of the children.
Her family rushed her to a hospital, but she died from the cobra’s venom before doctors could save her.
Mlah said her sister did not hesitate to protect her cousins, adding that if she hadn’t stepped in, they could have lost the other children.
The incident has drawn sympathy from residents, many of whom praised the teenager’s courage and selfless act.
Maitum Mayor James Reganit visited the family to express his condolences and assured them that the municipal government would help and shoulder all funeral expenses.
The family also appealed to the public to stop sharing videos of the incident circulating on social media, saying the footage has caused them more pain as they mourn their daughter and sister.
Authorities urged residents to be extra careful when entering rivers and other areas where venomous snakes may be present, especially during the rainy season.
They also reminded anyone bitten by a snake to seek immediate medical treatment at the nearest health facility to get proper care. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
