A sexagenarian was killed a few hours after he was bitten by a snake in Mabini town. The victim was identified as one Simeon Vallecer, 73, a native of Barangay San Rafael, Mabini. Initial reports said Vallecer was resting on a bed with his grandchild at noon time last Nov. 7 when he felt something moving on his feet. Vallecer initially did not give it a serious thought but when he tried to brush it aside, he was bitten instead. The victim immediately stood up just in time to see the snake about to strike his grandchild.

Vallecer, however, was able to get his bolo and fight off the snake and kill it before it could bite the child. The snake, a Philippine cobra, locally known as banakon, is feared for its venomous bite. Last Sunday's attack was the latest death in this town attributed to the snake since 2005. Vallecer's neighbors brought him to a local medicine man who administered treatment to him.

A few hours after the treatment, the victim felt better and narrated the incident to his neighbors. The victim felt thirsty and drank water but started to feel weak until he eventually died. According to those in the know, drinking water is not immediately allowed to victims of snake bite. Vallecer was the 13th reported fatality of the Philippine cobra in Mabini since 2005. The town is surrounded by forested areas and mountains believed to be favorite habitat of the dangerous snake.