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May 25, 2026
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Philippines Building Collapse Death Toll Rises to 3, 17 Missing

AI Summary
A building under construction in the Philippines collapsed, killing 3 people and leaving 17 missing. Rescuers are working to find survivors and determine the cause of the collapse.

The Building Collapse in Angeles City

Rescuers have pulled two people from the rubble of a collapsed building under construction in the Philippines, bringing the death toll to three, officials have said, as crews continue search and rescue operations at the site.

Rescue Efforts and Casualties

One of the two victims had a pulse when he was retrieved, but later died, while another suffered cardiac arrest while still trapped, Maria Leah Sajili, an information officer at Bureau of Fire Protection, said in a phone interview with the Reuters news agency on Monday.

  • 3 confirmed deaths
  • 17 people missing, most of them construction workers
  • Up to 70 people were employed at the construction site

The Investigation and Challenges

Officials said an investigation is under way into what caused the collapse of the multistorey building in the city of Angeles, north of the capital, Manila.

Sajili said there could be more victims trapped, after thermal scans detected signs of breathing and heartbeats beneath the rubble.

Rescue in building collapse is very challenging, since any sudden shift triggered by the movements of our rescuers can cause areas to move and people under can get crushed.

The Impact on Families and Community

Families have grown increasingly impatient and frustrated with the pace of the search and rescue operations.

Lea Casilao, who travelled from Manila, said she only wants regular updates about the status of her husband, a construction worker believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

“My youngest child keeps asking, but I do not have answers,” the 47-year-old said.

The Future Outlook

If no more survivors are found, mechanical diggers and other heavy equipment will be brought in to clear debris and recover bodies, Sajili said, but gave no timeline.

The cause of the collapse is not known.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin told reporters that authorities were trying to locate the building owner to get answers, including clarity on the number of workers at the site.