A nine-story building under construction collapsed before dawn on May 24 in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Philippines, trapping dozens of workers and bystanders in the rubble [1, 2, 3, 4]. Around 70 workers were reportedly present on site when the structure gave way [4].
Search, rescue, retrieval, and clearing operations have been ongoing in the days since the collapse as authorities recover bodies and search for survivors [1, 2, 3, 4]. The death toll has steadily risen during the course of the rescue effort. On May 30, four bodies were recovered, and by May 31, the toll reached 10 according to official reports [1]. Later on May 31, Elsa Angcao, 50, and her husband Joey Angcao, 48, who operated a small store in front of the site, were found in the debris and recovered alive but injured [2].
By June 1, the death toll rose to 13 with additional bodies recovered [2]. Overnight between June 1 and 2, seven more bodies were found, bringing the total to 20 as reported by one source [4]. Other sources have given different figures, including 17 deaths as of June 2 [3]. The discrepancies arise as authorities continue to identify victims amid challenging conditions.
Several of the deceased workers have been identified, including Roberto Sabile, 51, Christian Sabile, 26, Mark Laurence Capungay, 21, and Porperio Alikaway, 66 [1, 2]. A Malaysian national, Mond Reza Abdullah, 65, who was staying at a hotel nearby, also died in the collapse [1, 2].
Two Angeles City Building Office officials, Architect Norbert Lagman and Structural Engineer Marlon Lingat, were placed under a 60-day preventive suspension while investigations proceed [1, 2]. Authorities have formed a Fact-Finding and Investigation Task Force to review permits, plans, and construction compliance related to the collapse [1, 2]. Representatives of the building owner and contractor have pledged cooperation with the city-led investigation [1], although some victims' families reported they have not been contacted by the owner or contractor [1].
Recovery and clearance operations are ongoing as of early June, with authorities working through debris to locate any remaining victims or evidence related to the collapse [1, 2, 3, 4].
