A 15ft-long python sparked panic in a government office when it escaped from its container.

Animal rescuers were about to turn over the snake to the Environment and Natural Resources Office in Lapu-Lapu City, the Philippines on September 28 morning.

While the rescuers were processing the wild animal’s papers inside the office, the clever python had somehow managed to break out of the sealed sack where it was placed.

Footage shows frantic government employees watching on as the rescuers try to catch the evasive snake again, this time on the front garden of the office building.

Lapulita Ochea said she was working inside the office when the people outside started shouting.

She said: “The snake was so big we were all afraid. The people who were here for transactions were taken outside until the snake was caught.”

The rescuers were able to catch the 20kg python after almost half an hour and placed it back inside the sack with tighter seal.

Animal rescuers first caught the snake in nearby town Marigondon after it ate a local boy’s puppy. It was released in the wild by the same animal rescuers later that day.