Slithery intruder sneaks into NAIA runway

It was neither fish, fowl, nor anti-terrorism measure.

A python 15 feet long was found yesterday along a runway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The snake, with a body diameter of about 5 inches, was found around 7:40 a.m. along the ramp area of Bay 5 of the NAIA Terminal 1, according to Joseph Agustin, chief of the Aircraft Movement Area (AMA), Environmental Management and Safety Section (EMSS) of the Manila International Airport Authority-Airport Ground Operations and Services Division.

The unusual runway intruder was first seen by three airport personnel of EMSS while they were on board a patrol car, a Toyota Tamaraw FX, cruising along Bay 5.

The python was seen slithering away amidst the strong rain, while an aircraft was about to take off.

"The python came from an isolated grassy portion of the runway. We easily saw the python due to its length. We then ran over the python to weaken it," said an employee of EMSS.

The EMSS personnel then brought it on board their patrol vehicle, but the snake began to thrash about.

The python was then placed inside a metal cage and turned over to the Parks and Wildlife Bureau in Quezon City.

Pythons, which are native to the Philippines but usually stay away from human habitation, are considered a delicacy by some culinary experts. — Sandy Araneta, AFP