Five cobras inside large plastic water containers were seized by the city government at the New Arranque Market on Tuesday (July 7).
Manila Markets Administration Office (MAO) Director Zenaido Mapoy said in a statement that she received information about the snakes being hidden in the public market.
During an inspection, members of the MAO reportedly heard hissing sounds coming from a stall at the poultry section of the market. Upon checking, they saw the five cobras in separate containers hidden in the stall.
Mapoy said the cobras pose a danger not only to the vendors, but also to the general public, adding that they will call the attention of the stall owner regarding the hidden snakes.
The cobras were turned over to the Public Recreations Bureau for safekeeping.