By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Hanggang may mahagip, hanggang may maligtas, tuloy ang operasyon.”
Emergency crews from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Special Force, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), emergency medical service teams, and augmentation units from nearby provinces in Central Luzon converged shortly after the collapse of a nine-story mixed-use building in Angeles City, Pampanga at around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday.
Their deployment immediately led to the rescue of at least 24 persons who were trapped under the infrastructure that is being constructed in Barangay Balibago.
Earlier, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II was joined by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III in monitoring the rescue operations.
As of press time, 26 individuals were successfully rescued—with four confirmed fatalities, and 17 individuals still missing. Heavy equipment was also deployed as part of the retrieval operation following a thermal scan for “any signs of life” within the disaster zone.
Those reported to have perished from the structure’s collapse include two Malaysian nationals and two construction workers who were pinned by the rubble.
Rescue trucks, ambulances, firetrucks, technical rescue equipment, and specialized assets continue to operate under highly dangerous and unstable conditions as responders work around the clock to locate and retrieve those trapped beneath the rubble.
The DILG said in a statement, 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.”
Meanwhile, the authorities ordered a thorough probe to determine the cause of the incident and identify any lapses in regulation during the planning and construction of the infrastructure, which also affected two nearby apartelles in the area.
This, on top of the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to extend aid to the families of victims affected by the building collapse, who directed the DSWD to distribute P10,000 in financial aid and livelihood assistance worth P15,000-P20,000 to them, including burial assistance for those who perished in the incident.
The government also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims who passed away due to this tragic incident, vowing to hold those responsible for this mishap accountable to the fullest extent of the law. (with reports from Clay Pardilla and JM Thompson | PTV News)
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