Residents in General Santos City have expressed concern after snakes entered several homes on separate occasions this week.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in General Santos City inspected part of a house after the homeowner spotted a snake inside a subdivision in Barangay San Isidro at around 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Later, the snake was spotted hiding among a pile of trays. The snake was captured and placed in a sack.

The animal was identified as a Samar cobra and was turned over to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) for proper disposition.

BFP said just 30 minutes after the first snake was captured, a resident of another purok in the barangay called for assistance in capturing a cobra spotted inside their home.

Authorities inspected the hole where the snake was believed to be hiding, however, the cobra reportedly retreated deeper into the hole.

BFP said another large python was spotted evening on August 10 among some plants beside the wall of a residence.

The snake reportedly became aggressive when rescuers attempted to handle it but was captured, eventually.

According to CENRO-General Santos, the incident is alarming.

“Very alarming na nga scenario. Ibig sabihin guba na ang ilang natural habitat tapos mangita na sila sa ilahang natural prey sa mga  residential areas. Una ang ilaga, ang ilaga is very ma-atract siya sa mga hugaw nga place,” CENRO-GenSan Agricultural Technician, Prince Tampus, said.

Authorities said it is dangerous, especially if the snake is venomous. Those bitten by a snake should receive anti-venom treatment.

“Duol gyud sa pinakaduol nga naay anti-venum vaccine. Dapat kung mapaakan pud ka og bitin usually kanang venomous kalma lang kay para dili pud paspas ang circulation sa imung dugo. Sa blood stream man  muagi ang venom ayha siya mukalat,” Tampus added.

However, CENRO emphasized that snakes should not be killed as they are protected under the law.

“Dili, naa tay Wildlife Act, sa Wildlife Act gina-protectahan tanang wildlife natu diri sa Philippines. Dili ta pwede mupatay pero naa sa balaod nakabutang if ang imuhang kinabuhi naa sa (risgo) pwede nimu siya patyon,” Tampus said.

Residents are advised that if they encounter a similar animal inside their homes, they should remain calm and immediately call the BFP, CENRO, or the nearest DENR office for assistance.