MANILA (Reuters) - The number of people killed by a landslide in the southern Philippines has risen to 35, an official said on Sunday, as rescue workers continued to dig through mud even as hope of finding more survivors dimmed.
Macapili said over 300 people were involved in the rescue, but operations were being hampered by heavy rain, thick mud and the threat of further landslides.
Asked if there were still survivors, Macapili said it was already "unlikely", but the search would continue.
"The rescue team is doing its best, even if it's very difficult," Macapili said.
Torrential rains have battered Davao de Oro in recent weeks, triggering floods and landslides.
Persons:
Apex Mining Edward Macapili, Macapili, Mikhail Flores, Sonali Paul
Organizations:
Apex Mining
Locations:
MANILA, Philippines, Maco, Davao de Oro