Al Qaida-linked militants in the Philippines are facing a new battle against fellow Muslim insurgents.

The number of people missing after a typhoon devastated the Philippines jumped to nearly 900 after families and businesses reported losing contact with more than 300 fishermen at sea.

A powerful typhoon that swept away emergency shelters, a military camp and possibly entire families in the southern Philippines has killed around 350 people with nearly 400 missing.

PHILIPPINES authorities yesterday began burying the dead from flash floods that have left more than 1,000 dead or missing, as President Benigno Aquino declared a national disaster.

DISASTER agencies yesterday delivered body bags, food, water, and medicine to crowded evacuation centres in the southern Philippines as officials ordered the digging of graves to prevent disease after hundreds died in flash floods.

The Philippines and China will put their disagreements over overlapping claims to South China Sea islands on the back burner as President Benigno Aquino begins a week-long visit aiming to sharply increase trade with Beijing.

TYPHOON Megi has caused the deaths of at least 10 people as it roared across the country’s north and now heads for southern China, authorities in the Philippines said yesterday.

Typhoon Megi has caused the deaths of at least 10 people as it roared across the country’s north and now heads for southern China, authorities in the Philippines said today.

Super Typhoon Megi slammed ashore along the Philippines' north-eastern coast today with ferocious winds of 140mph – the strongest cyclone to hit the country in years.