Malaysian dead, 23 missing in Angeles building collapse

ANGELES CITY, Philippines — A Malaysian tourist was confirmed dead following the collapse of a nine-story building being constructed at a subdivision in Barangay Balibago here yesterday, with 23 people still missing.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Malaysian tourist was trapped inside the apartelle next to the collapsed building.

The Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO) said at least 26 people had been rescued as of yesterday afternoon, including two people from the same apartelle.

Angeles Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II said the city activated its unified command system to ensure coordination as national and neighboring local agencies rushed to the site to help in the rescue and clearing efforts.

The system placed the BFP as lead agency in the rescue and retrieval efforts, the ACDRRMO for logistics and operational support, the Philippine National Police for security and crowd control and the City Information Office for disseminating official updates to the public.

It was not clear why the building collapsed, but Lazatin said the construction procedures, including soil testing, would be looked into.

He also wants to determine if substandard materials were used in the building.

The Department of Public Works and Highways sent heavy equipment and engineers to assist in the search and clearing works, with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon saying that they are coordinating with the BFP.

Dizon said two dump trucks, a backhoe, a boom truck and a crane were dispatched to help speed up rescue and clearing.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority dispatched its search and rescue team, with MMDA Chairman Don Artes saying the team is carrying appropriate equipment for rescue operations.

Manuel Lucban Jr., Bulacan provincial disaster risk reduction and management office chief, said the PDRRMO sent a team with thermal drones to assist rescuers in locating survivors beneath the rubble.

According to Office of Civil Defense deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano, the people rescued earlier yesterday were “all stable and ambulatory.”

Angeles’ City Social Welfare and Development Office said it has already provided initial assistance, such as financial, food, medical and psychosocial support to 35 individuals.

The CSWDO reported that the rescued and affected workers will be sent to their home provinces — nine in Bulacan, four in Angeles City, one in Pangasinan, one in Antique and one in Sorsogon.

Dizon, who was among those who rushed to the site, said a DPWH technical team would assist in the investigation to determine the exact cause of collapse.

Lazatin said that as of noon yesterday, there were signs of life beneath the rubble, noting that voices could be heard.

The mayor ordered an inventory of all people inside the collapsed building and ordered the project engineer to verify the number of personnel that went home for the weekend and those who stayed within the construction site.

Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez deployed additional police officers at the site to secure the area, manage traffic and coordinate with other rescue agencies. — Josiah Antonio, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Rainier Allan Ronda, Pia Lee-Brago