Landslides kill 26 people in Philippines

Manila, May 19 (Xinhua) Twenty-six people have died in landslides caused by the incessant rains in southern Philippines, officials said Tuesday.

The authorities have urged the residents in the affected areas to move to safer places.

The police said 26 people have died in landslides in different parts of the region since Monday.

Nineteen people are missing after landslides in the Compostela Valley province.

The injured were shifted to hospitals.

Governor Arturo Uy told reporters that a state of emergency has been declared in Pantukan region in southern Philippines to facilitate the rescue operations there.