Full-scale search, rescue and retrieval operations, through the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other local authorities and partner agencies, are ongoing following the collapse of a nine-storey building in Angeles City, Pampanga, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

As of 12:00 pm on Monday, May 25, 26 individuals have been successfully rescued, with four confirmed fatalities and 17 individuals still missing. According to the DILG, a total of 267 personnel were deployed on-site. This includes members of the BFP Special Rescue Force, Emergency Medical Service teams, and augmentation units from Pampanga, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, and the BFP Regional Office III.

“Hanggang may mahagip, hanggang may maligtas, tuloy ang operasyon,” the DILG said. “The safety and preservation of life remain our highest priority. We recognize the extraordinary courage of our rescuers who continue to place themselves in harm’s way under extremely dangerous conditions to save others.”

The government agency extended its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, including those who remain missing. Despite this, the agency assured the public that all concerned agencies remain fully coordinated and committed to exhausting every possible effort until all individuals are accounted for.

The nine-storey building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga, collapsed on early Sunday. Barangay Balibago Captain Joseph Ponce said that although construction on the building began in 2023, it remains unfinished.

Earlier reports mentioned that the local government of Angeles City will summon the owner and contractor of the collapsed building for carrying out structural changes without permits or approved revisions from the Office of the Building Official.