ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Emergency response teams pulled at least 26 people from the rubble after a nine-story building under construction collapsed in Barangay Balibago early Sunday morning.
According to the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO), the collapse occurred at around 3:00 a.m., based on reactions from people residing and working in the vicinity. Immediately, the local authorities mobilized a command post to facilitate rescue activities.
Of the 26 persons counted, 24 were workers rescued from within the collapsed frame, while the other two were recovered from a nearby apartelle that was significantly affected by the collapsing concrete slabs. One of the people who was rescued from the nearby apartelle was a 51-year-old tourist from Malaysia.
Although many people were already saved, there is an expectation that another 30 to 40 persons might be buried under the debris, based on the estimates given by the project foreman at the scene.
Rescue workers are cautiously navigating the highly unstable structure in search of survivors, utilizing heavy machinery alongside specialized K9 units.
In addition, while an investigation is being conducted, the involvement of heavy rains and winds on Saturday night is also being analyzed by investigators as one of the possible contributing factors to the collapse.
The local government has restricted access to the site, requesting that civilians not approach the scene so that rescue efforts can be conducted without any hitches.
Written by Jasmine Parohinog
Jasmine Parohinog is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
