Death toll rises to 27 after powerful quake hits central Philippines

The quake struck hardest in northern Cebu, including San Remigio, which was placed under a state of calamity to facilitate response and relief efforts.

The death toll from a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake in the central Philippines has risen to 27 with more than 140 people injured, and officials on Wednesday warned the numbers could climb further as rescuers access collapsed buildings.