3 dead, 18 missing in Pampanga building collapse

National

RESUCE operations continued after a nine-story building under construction collapsed in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City around 3 a.m. on Sunday, May 24.

As of Monday morning, May 25, three have been confirmed dead while 18 remained missing, a report by Philstar said.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), one of the fatalities was a Malaysian tourist who was trapped inside an apartelle beside the collapsed building.

The Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO) said at least 26 people had already been rescued.

Office of Civil Defense deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano said all those rescued earlier were “stable and ambulatory.”

Angeles Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II said signs of life were still detected beneath the debris, with rescuers hearing voices from trapped individuals as operations continued.

Lazatin said the city activated its unified command system to strengthen coordination among national and local agencies involved in rescue and clearing operations.

Under the system, the BFP leads rescue and retrieval efforts, while the ACDRRMO handles logistics and operational support.

The Philippine National Police was tasked with security and crowd control, while the City Information Office disseminates official updates.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) deployed heavy equipment and engineers to assist in search and clearing operations.

DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon said two dump trucks, a backhoe, a boom truck, and a crane were sent to help speed up operations.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also dispatched its search and rescue team equipped for retrieval operations.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the collapse, although Lazatin said construction procedures, including soil testing and the possible use of substandard materials, would be investigated.

The Angeles City Social Welfare and Development Office said financial, food, medical, and psychosocial assistance had already been provided to 35 affected individuals.(Erica Casquejo - CNU Main Campus, Communication Intern)