13 killed in Philippines earthquake

At least 13 people were killed today when a strong earthquake hit the central Philippines, destroying buildings and triggering landslides which buried dozens of houses, trapping their occupants.

The 6.8-magnitude quake, in a narrow strait just off Negros Island, caused a landslide in Guihulngan, a city of about 180,000 people in Negros Oriental province. As many as 30 houses were buried and at least 29 people were missing, Mayor Ernesto Reyes said.