Death toll from Philippine quake rises to 144

MANILA: A government official says the death toll from the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit the Philippines has risen to 144. Civil Defense Director Eduardo del Rosario said Wednesday that another 291 people are injured. The central island of Bohol, a popular tourist area, was hit hardest by Tuesday morning's quake, with widespread damage to houses and historic churches. A day after the quake, Bohol Gov. Edgardo Chatto said that all towns in need had been reached, although landslides and damaged bridges were slowing down road travel. (AP)