According to the Philippines military, the current death toll has risen to 48 and 92 people are missing.

The earthquake collapsed bridges and damaged roads near Negros Island. Rescuers in search of missing people had to climb mountains to reach remote villages.

Homes are buried under soils and rock in Guihulngan City, which had also received heavy rains days before the quake, disaster officials said.

The U.S. embassy in Manila released a statement saying: “The embassy offers its condolences to all those affected by the recent earthquake near Dumaguete, and the following aftershocks.”

“Local and national authorities, working with civic organizations, are making significant efforts to assist victims of this tragic natural disaster. We applaud their dedication and expertise,” the statement said.

Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/breaking-news/16665-philippine-rescuers-search-for-quake-survivors

He stabbed 17 times by Hans Ivan Ruiz, 22, who was at his house in barangay Pinyahan late Sunday night until yesterday morning. The suspect also allegedly attempted to steal items (laptop,cellphones) from the director’s house.

In an interview, Mendoza said the victim woke up at past 3 a.m. and found Ruiz allegedly stealing his belongings, which led to the stabbing. Rivero managed to drive himself to the V. Luna Medical Center.

Rivero told police he managed to get out of bed and run into the bathroom. Mendoza said the two men struggled in the bathroom until Rivero was able to run out and ask for help.

The police official said the suspect was still carrying a backpack containing the victim’s laptop, two cellular phones and a pair of shoes at Rivero’s house when the police arrived there.

Rivero remains confined at the St. Luke’s Medical Center, where he was transferred, according to Mendoza.

Ruiz told The STAR he disposed of a bread knife, reportedly used in the attack on Rivero. Police later found the knife behind a fire truck in the barangay hall.