19 dead as strong quake hits parts of Mindanao

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — “Lord, have mercy! Kusog kaayo, kusog kaayo! (Very, very strong!)” The desperate plea echoed across the grounds of Landan National High School in Polomolok, South Cotabato, as students and teachers quickly moved to open areas when a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck west southwest of the coastal town of Maasim