Rescue Efforts Continue After Building Collapse in Angeles City, Philippines

Rescuers pulled three people from the debris of a collapsed nine-story hotel under construction in Angeles City, northern Philippines, early Monday. This brought the confirmed death toll to four, with 17 still missing, according to authorities.

Two of the rescued individuals were already deceased, while emergency personnel attempted to revive another in an ambulance nearby. The rescue scene, described as difficult, was witnessed by journalists, including those from The Associated Press, who saw hundreds of rescuers, led by firefighters and police, working for hours to extract the men.

The intricate recovery operation involved attempts to provide IV fluids and water to one of the trapped victims, as explained by regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the individual did not survive.

Among the three rescued on Monday, one person was unidentified and not listed among the 17 missing, primarily construction workers, as stated by Angeles City spokesperson Jay Pelayo.

A Malaysian tourist also died after being trapped in an economical lodging partially struck by debris from the collapse. Another guest managed to escape with injuries.

Despite the devastation, Angeles Mayor Carmelo Lazatin expressed hope for rescuing more survivors beyond Sunday’s collapse, driven by heavy thunderstorms. He emphasized the ongoing rescue mission and the desire not to distress the families of the trapped workers with unwelcome news.

The search efforts have proven slow, with relatives of trapped individuals anxiously waiting near the site. Lea Mendoza Casilao, a 47-year-old sardine factory worker, shared her increasing hopelessness. Her boyfriend remains trapped in the ruins, impacting their planned weekend meeting.

Lazatin mentioned that rescuers proceed cautiously due to precariously supported concrete slabs entangled with aluminum scaffolding. So far, 26 workers have either been rescued or escaped the wreckage, where they slept on plywood sheets on the ground floor.

National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed their involvement in the ongoing investigation to determine the cause and possible violations of safety and construction standards.

Angeles City once housed one of the largest U.S. Air Force bases outside mainland USA, turning the area and nearby locales into entertainment and commercial hubs in Luzon’s main region. The Clark Air Base, located 80 kilometers north of Manila, ceased operations in the early 90s. Now designated as the Clark Freeport Zone, this thriving industrial and tourist enclave remains surrounded by remnants of its base era, including bars, nightclubs, and budget hotels.