Taho vendor dies in python attack

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 34-year-old taho vendor died after being strangled by a python in Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, early Sunday morning.

Police identified the victim only as Julius, a resident of Barangay Hibao-an Sur, Mandurriao.

His body was found at about 4:45 a.m. on Jan. 11 near a house along Dike 1 in Barangay Bolilao.

A 30-year-old resident, identified as Noralyn, told police she heard a loud thud that prompted her to step outside her house.

She said she saw a reticulated python, locally known as “magkal,” coiled around the victim’s neck and torso.

Noralyn said the snake appeared ready to attack her, prompting her to call for help from nearby residents.

Neighbors later killed the python to free the victim, police said.

Capt. Val Cambel, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 10, said the victim was familiar in the area and frequently visited a resident of Barangay Bolilao.

Cambel said investigators believe the victim may have accidentally stepped on the snake while walking along the dike.

Members of the Iloilo City Medical Response Team responded to the scene but pronounced the victim dead.

Cambel said the cause of death was asphyxiation due to constriction.