Philippines landslide toll reaches 22

Manila : The death toll from a landslide in Philippines has reached 22, an official said on Friday.

Garry Cabotaje, the spokesman for Naga city government, expressed hope that more survivors will be rescued a day after the tragedy struck the mountainside community.

"We are still hoping that many villagers will be rescued today," Cabotaje told Xinhua news agency.

As of 12 midnight Thursday, Cabotaje said that 22 bodies have been recovered while nine survivors have been rescued.

The landslide that occurred on Thursday morning and buried over 50 houses, took place due to heavy rains in the region.

According to media reports, the victims refused to leave the landslide areas despite evacuation warnings.