Philippines: Rescuers search for people trapped under rubble after building collapses

Rescuers have been searching for more than 20 people feared trapped under the rubble after a building collapsed in the Philippines.

Five people were confirmed trapped, including two ‌in contact with rescuers, and 18 more were thought to be under the debris, officials said.

Before it came down on Sunday, the multi-storey building had been under construction in the city of Angeles, north of the capital Manila.

Maria Leah Sajili, from the regional Bureau of Fire Protection, said authorities knew of "five confirmed trapped victims" and "18 workers from the list of construction workers on duty today, but no feedback yet from their families".

She said it "brings the estimated number of trapped victims to 23 as of today".

Pictures have been published of rescuers climbing over a mound of concrete slabs and mangled steel, covered in green ‌netting, searching for survivors.

A total of 24 people have been pulled out of the site, a figure that includes others who were nearby.

No deaths have been reported, Ms Sajili said.

Those rescued included a 51-year-old Malaysian national who was staying in a nearby budget hotel.

It was damaged when the concrete structure came down, Jay Pelayo, the Angeles city information officer, was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Mr Pelayo had earlier told DZBB radio that he believed 30 to 40 people were feared trapped, after he talked to a site foreman who escaped.

It is not clear why the building collapsed and the cause is being investigated.

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According to records, a 10th floor was being built for a pool on top of a planned condo-hotel under the approved permit.

Ambulances were on standby, and fire engies had been sent to help in the rescue effort, Mr Pelayo said, adding that moving the concrete debris was hampering rescuers.

(c) Sky News 2026: Philippines: Rescuers search for people trapped under rubble after building collapses