Philippines mourns disaster victims

THE PHILIPPINE president yesterday flew to the devastated island of Leyte, where authorities declared a calamity following weekend floods and mudslides that killed at least 160 people in the region.

In another disaster, the Philippine navy and coast guard said dozens of people remained missing from a ferry that sank with 75 people aboard in rough seas southwest of Manila on Sunday.

At least 20 people have been rescued, and the coast guard said Tuesday one of its planes spotted up to 12 people with life vests floating about 30 miles east of Malaysia’s Bankawan island.