KIDAPAWAN CITY — Authorities were shocked to find nine King cobras hidden inside a driver’s bag during a routine checkpoint in M’lang, Cotabato province, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
The driver, locally known as “Angkol Cobra,” was asked to present his license when officers noticed his bag was unusually heavy. Upon inspection, they discovered the live cobras, which the driver claimed were intended for traditional healing practices.
An herbalist by profession, the driver explained that handling snakes was part of his work and that he had developed immunity to cobra venom.
He assured authorities that the snakes were subdued and posed no immediate danger.
While no injuries were reported, the incident raises concerns about wildlife protection.
Under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, possessing, transporting, or trading wildlife without proper permits is illegal, with violators facing fines or imprisonment.