19 feared trapped after collapse at Philippines construction site

A nine-story building under construction collapsed near Manila early Sunday, with 19 people feared trapped in the debris. The incident occurred in Angeles City, located about 80 kilometers north of the Philippine capital, around 3 a.m.

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there are 19 personnel that usually report in the area, so they are the ones we are trying to locate now.

City information officer Jay Pelayo told AFP that the building's walls and scaffolding buckled, likely causing the structure to give way and trap individuals within the rubble. While initial reports did not confirm casualties, the focus is on locating the 19 personnel who typically work at the site.

Rescue operations are facing significant challenges due to the large concrete debris. "There are big chunks of concrete, and we need equipment to lift them up. That is what's challenging for the rescue right now," Pelayo stated. Early reports suggested that 24 individuals were rescued from the collapse site, and two more from an adjacent hotel that was struck when the building fell.

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There are big chunks of concrete, and we need equipment to lift them up. That is what's challenging for the rescue right now.

Officials are working to determine if the 19 missing individuals are among those already rescued. The survivors are reportedly in stable condition. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

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We hope the 19 people are part of that number.