Rescuers in the Philippines have pulled two more individuals from the rubble of a collapsed multistorey building, bringing the confirmed death toll to three. The building, which was under construction in Angeles City, north of Manila, collapsed on Monday, May 25, 2026. One of the recently retrieved victims had a pulse upon rescue but later died, while another suffered cardiac arrest while still trapped, according to Maria Leah Sajili, an information officer for the Bureau of Fire Protection.

An investigation into the cause of the collapse has been initiated by local authorities. The scale of the disaster became clearer as search and rescue teams continued their efforts, with thermal scans reportedly detecting signs of breathing and heartbeats beneath the debris. This has fueled hope for finding survivors, though the number of missing persons remains at 17, predominantly construction workers who were on duty at the time.

Officials estimate that up to 70 people were employed at the construction site, with most having already left for the weekend. Alfredo Albis, a worker who was in nearby barracks, described the terrifying moment the structure gave way. He expressed deep concern for two of his cousins who were working at the site and are now among the missing, fearing they may have perished.

The rescue operation is described as highly challenging by fire bureau officials. Sajili explained that any sudden movement by rescuers could destabilize the remaining structure, potentially crushing those trapped underneath or endangering the rescue teams themselves. This necessitates a meticulous, often manual, approach to clearing the debris.

Authorities are reportedly trying to locate the owner of the building to gather more information, including the precise number of workers present during the collapse. The delay in clearing the debris and the uncertainty surrounding the trapped individuals have led to growing impatience and frustration among the families of those missing.

If no further survivors are found, the next phase of the operation will involve bringing in heavy machinery to clear the site and recover any bodies. However, no timeline has been provided for this transition, underscoring the delicate nature of the ongoing search.

The incident highlights the critical importance of safety protocols in the construction industry. While the specific cause of this collapse remains unknown, such events often prompt reviews of building standards and oversight mechanisms.

Families of the missing have gathered at the site, anxiously awaiting updates, with some travelling long distances in hopes of finding their loved ones alive. The situation remains fluid as rescue teams continue their painstaking work against the clock.