Philippine quake death toll rises to 172

The death toll from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the central Philippines rose to 172 on Friday as authorities warned it would probably climb even higher.

The tourist island of Bohol, which was the epicentre of Tuesday’s quake, suffered the most with 160 people dead, the civil defence office for the region said.

Twelve others were killed on other central islands.

Bohol police commander Senior Superintendent Dennis Agustin said 22 people were missing on the island, including five children who were playing by a waterfall when the quake hit.

It was unlikely many of them would be found alive, he warned.

“It looks doubtful. This is the fourth day since the quake. It is an extreme possibility they will be recovered alive,” he said.