At least 24 people were rescued after a nine-story building under construction partially collapsed early Sunday in Angeles City, Pampanga. Rescue operations are ongoing. (AI image is for illustration purposes only)
A nine-story building under construction in Angeles City, Pampanga, partially collapsed early Sunday morning, trapping workers inside before rescue teams pulled at least 24 people to safety, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. along Teodoro Street in Barangay Balibago, a busy commercial area north of Manila known for its entertainment and nightlife districts. As of Sunday, search-and-rescue operations were continuing at the site, with officials still assessing the full extent of damage, potential additional casualties, and the cause of the collapse.
Senior police and local officials quickly converged on the scene. Central Luzon Police chief Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez visited the area to oversee the response. The officials directed the rescue efforts, particularly in managing traffic and securing the perimeter. Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II was on site directing operations, joined by national officials, including Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Undersecretary Nicolas Torre III.
Fire department personnel, emergency medical teams, and local police responded immediately, providing security and medical support as rescuers worked to free those trapped in the structure.
What You Should Know
о The building was still under construction when the collapse occurred, raising immediate questions about construction standards, materials, and oversight in a seismically active country where building safety has long been a concern.
о No official count of those initially trapped or still unaccounted for has been released. Authorities have not yet disclosed the total number of workers on site at the time of the collapse.
о Rescue operations remain active, and the cause — whether structural failure, overloading, foundation issues, or external factors — is under investigation.
о Angeles City, part of the bustling Clark Freeport Zone area, has seen rapid development in recent years. Incidents like this often spotlight regulatory enforcement challenges in the Philippines’ fast-growing construction sector.
Officials have not yet provided updates on the condition of the rescued individuals or confirmed any fatalities. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
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