Python rattles cops in Quiapo

A two-meter python caused a commotion at a police sub-station in Quiapo, Manila yesterday, with rattled policemen used to battling tough criminals forced to destroy an officer’s desk where the reptile slithered in to hide, officials said.

Policemen and barangay watchmen at the station in Manila’s Quiapo district managed to subdue the python, but one police officer ended up with his desk destroyed so the python could be extricated from its drawer without being harmed.

"The policemen on duty were afraid, but they could not leave because it would embarrassing to run away while a TV camera was filming the whole thing," Senior Police Officer Cesar Sabile said with a chuckle.

The incident started before dawn when a bystander saw the python near a fast-food restaurant in nearby Sta. Cruz district.

Barangay watchmen managed to capture the snake and bring it to the police station. But the python quickly slithered out of it’s captors’ grasp and sneaked into a small opening on a policeman’s table, causing a commotion.

The unharmed python was later turned over to Manila Zoo representatives. — AP