On May 20, a multi-story building under construction in Angeles City, north of Manila, Philippines, suddenly collapsed, killing 3 people and leaving 17 missing. Rescue workers pulled two individuals from the rubble; one was found with a pulse but later died, while the other suffered cardiac arrest while still trapped.
Maria Leah Sajili, information officer of the regional Bureau of Fire Protection, said an investigation is underway to determine the cause. Rescue teams are working with extreme caution, as any sudden movement from digging could trigger secondary collapses, endangering both victims and rescuers. For this reason, the search is being conducted manually.
Initial estimates suggest up to 70 workers were on site, but most had gone home for the weekend. Among the missing, most are construction workers recorded as present at the time of the incident.
Alfredo Albis, 55, said he was sleeping in a workers' barracks about 5 meters from the building when he heard a loud noise. Two of his cousins remain trapped inside. "I have two cousins still stuck in there. They worked here to earn money for their families, and now they are missing," he said, adding he feared they may have died.
Angeles City authorities are attempting to locate the building owner to clarify the cause and verify the exact number of workers present. Meanwhile, many victims' families are growing increasingly anxious and frustrated with the pace of search and rescue operations.
Lea Casilao, 47, who traveled from Manila, said she just wants regular updates on her husband, a construction worker believed to be trapped under the debris. "My youngest child keeps asking, but I have no answers," she said, her voice filled with worry.
