MANILA, Philippines – Authorities put on display preserved King Cobras or locally known as “Banakon” in 2 venues in Bansalan, Davao del Sur province.

The display, which can be found at the Bansalan police station and at the Angel Funeral Parlor, was not meant to attract tourists but to inform residence of what Banakon looks like.

“Tumingin ako para makilala ko kung anong hitsura ng banakon,” said Bansalan resident Alex Mortes.

The Banakon is the longest venomous snake in the Philippines. Its color differs from that of the Philippine Cobra.

“Talagang pinasadya ito para makilala,” said Angel Funeral Parlor embalmer Elmer Bagumba, after 2 persons who had been bitten by the King Cobra reportedly died.

“Dalawang tao na ang nai-report dito na namatay matapos matuklaw,” said Inspector Renin Raotraot of the Bansalan Police Station.

Authorities believed that the lack of rain and the hot temperature are driving the snakes out of their lairs.