Hope is fading in the Philippine village of Guinsaugon, which was buried by a mudslide this week. Some 1,800 people were killed.

A second landslide claimed another 5-10 lives yesterday.

The US military is mobilizing to provide relief. More on charitable efforts here.

Meantime, Philippine president Gloria Maccapal-Arroyo is in trouble amid a coup alert via PJI:

THE Philippine National Police has been placed on red alert nationwide following reports of another coup plot.

PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Samuel Pagdilao said the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the National Capital Region Command, are now on heightened alert as a result of the anti-government rallies being staged by various militant groups.

Pagdilao said PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao has ordered all district directors nationwide to be extra vigilant as suspected terrorists and New People’s Army rebels are also reportedly planning to take advantage of the volatile situation.

National Capital Region Police Office director Vidal Querol has ordered the five district directors as well as city and town police chiefs in Metro Manila to intensify patrols and set up more checkpoints…

It’s a mess. Say a prayer or send help, if you can. They could use both.