The death toll has climbed to at least 35 after a powerful earthquake struck the Philippines. The 6.8 magnitude tremor hit the island of Mindanao just before noon local time, sending panicked residents into the streets.
Rescue teams are digging through rubble in search of survivors. The UK's rapid response team is on standby, awaiting a formal request from Manila. Whitehall sources confirm that a deployment could happen within hours if needed.
The Foreign Office has activated its crisis response mechanism. Downing Street says the PM is being kept updated. The opposition has called for swift action.
shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said "every hour counts" in a statement.
This is a developing story. We will bring you more as it happens.
