The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has vowed to maintain round-the-clock search, rescue, and retrieval operations at the site of a collapsed nine-storey building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, insisting that missions will not cease until all missing individuals are found.
The tragedy struck before dawn on Sunday, May 24, when the structure, which was under construction along Teodoro Street, suddenly gave way. While the exact cause remains under investigation, authorities are currently focused on the massive recovery effort.
“Hanggang may mahagip, hanggang may maligtas, tuloy ang operasyon (As long as someone can be reached, as long as someone can be saved, the operation continues),” the DILG said in an official statement.
As of noon on Monday, May 25, the official count stands at 26 survivors and four confirmed fatalities. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate 17 individuals who remain missing beneath the debris.
A total of 267 personnel, including members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Special Rescue Force and various emergency response units from across Central Luzon, have been deployed to the site.
Rescuers are utilizing heavy machinery and specialized technical tools to navigate the unstable rubble, balancing the urgency of the mission with the constant risk of further structural failure.
“The safety and preservation of life remain our highest priority. We recognize the extraordinary courage of our rescuers who continue to place themselves in harm’s way under extremely dangerous conditions to save others,” the DILG added.
Beyond the rescue efforts, authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident, looking into potential violations of construction standards and safety protocols. The government has pledged its full support to the families of the victims and the missing workers, ensuring that all available resources remain mobilized until the operation reaches a conclusion.
Officials are calling for public support and prayers as search teams push forward in their efforts to account for every person trapped at the site.