MANILA — Tension gripped the Villamor Air Base just hours before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was scheduled to depart for a state visit to India, after a member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was bitten by a snake spotted near the presidential aircraft.
The reptile was found hiding in a patch of shrubs only several meters from the plane designated to carry the President and his delegation.
PAF officials quickly captured the snake and secured it inside a sack. However, one personnel was reportedly bitten during the commotion and was rushed to the hospital.
The PAF has not issued an official statement as of press time, but the incident occurred amid final security preparations for the Chief Executive’s overseas trip.
President Marcos is visiting India from August 4 to 8 upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the five-day visit, the President is expected to engage with leaders of the Indian business community in New Delhi and Bangalore, and hold a dialogue with the Filipino community in the capital.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Marcos is also set to sign at least six bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening economic and technological ties between the Philippines and India./PN
