Tourists, guide killed as volcano erupts in the Philippines

THREE foreign climbers and their Filipino guide have been killed when one of the Philippines' most active volcanoes spewed rocks and ash after a three year calm.

Albay provincial Governor Joey Salceda said rescue teams are being dispatched on Tuesday to Mayon volcano in the central Philippines to look for four more climbers and guides still trapped near the crater.

Guide Kenneth Jesalva told ABS-CBN TV network by mobile phone from a camp near the crater that the four climbers died after being hit by huge rocks.

Another man was critically injured from a group of eight that included five foreigners and three Filipino guides.

- AP