Toddler Dies After Diamond Snake Attack in North Cotabato
SNAKE ATTACK – A toddler in North Cotabato tragically died after being attacked by a diamond snake, leaving the local community in shock and mourning.
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on April 9 in Sitio Layangan, Barangay Salayan, Matalam, North Cotabato, where a one-year-old child named Baby Jared James lost his life following a brutal snake attack.
According to initial reports, the infant was briefly left alone inside their home around 3:00 p.m. when his grandmother stepped out to get food. Moments later, she returned to a horrifying scene—hearing a loud thud and discovering a diamond snake coiled tightly around the baby’s head.
In a state of panic, the grandmother tried to free the child, but the aggressive reptile refused to let go. Unable to overpower the snake on her own, she rushed outside to call for help. Neighbors quickly responded and together, using a locally made firearm known as a “de bomba,” they were able to kill the snake and retrieve the injured child.
The baby was immediately transported to the nearest hospital. However, despite the medical team’s best efforts, Baby Jared James was declared dead on arrival. Doctors confirmed he had sustained six venomous bites to the head, which ultimately led to his death.
In accordance with Islamic traditions, the child’s burial took place shortly after his passing.
The devastating loss has left the entire community in shock and mourning. Many residents are now expressing heightened concerns over the presence of wildlife in their rural surroundings. Encounters with snakes, while not uncommon in agricultural areas, are rarely this severe—especially when involving young children.
Local authorities have since issued warnings to residents to be extra vigilant, particularly when young children are left unattended, even briefly. They are also looking into implementing community-based safety measures to reduce the risk of future snake encounters, including education on wildlife safety and possible improvements to housing conditions to keep snakes from entering homes.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in rural areas and underscores the importance of community preparedness and safety awareness.