REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Death Toll In Pampanga Building Collapse Rises To 28
Photo credit: BFP Central Luzon
Search and retrieval operations at the site of the collapsed building in Angeles City, Pampanga entered their 15th day as authorities recovered another victim, raising the death toll to 28.
In an update, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon said another individual was successfully extricated from the rubble on Saturday night, bringing the number of confirmed fatalities to 28.
The latest recovery came after several days of continuous operations by rescuers, heavy equipment operators, and partner agencies working around the clock amid challenging conditions.
"Another day. Another shift," BFP Central Luzon said in a social media post, noting that personnel continue to conduct operations both from the air and on the ground to clear debris and locate the remaining victims.
The agency added that it remains closely coordinating with the Incident Command Post (ICP) to support operational requirements and ensure that search, retrieval, and clearing efforts continue without interruption.
"The work is not yet done," the BFP said.
The nine-story structure, which was being constructed as a hotel, collapsed before dawn on May 24 in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City. Most of those trapped were construction workers. Authorities earlier reported that 27 individuals had been rescued from the disaster.
As of the latest update, around 30 percent of the debris has been cleared. Intermittent rains have continued to hamper operations and make conditions more difficult for responders.
The tragedy has prompted investigations into possible violations of occupational safety and health standards. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier disclosed that the project had previously been issued a work stoppage order due to safety deficiencies.
Separate investigations are also looking into reports that the project, originally approved as a nine-story condo-hotel, may have undergone unauthorized modifications, including the construction of a swimming pool on a planned 10th floor.
Lawyers representing the building owner and contractor earlier said the owner is willing to extend assistance to affected families and is seeking an independent investigation to determine what caused the deadly incident.
As recovery operations continue, authorities have vowed to remain at the site until every missing individual has been accounted for.
In an update, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon said another individual was successfully extricated from the rubble on Saturday night, bringing the number of confirmed fatalities to 28.
The latest recovery came after several days of continuous operations by rescuers, heavy equipment operators, and partner agencies working around the clock amid challenging conditions.
"Another day. Another shift," BFP Central Luzon said in a social media post, noting that personnel continue to conduct operations both from the air and on the ground to clear debris and locate the remaining victims.
The agency added that it remains closely coordinating with the Incident Command Post (ICP) to support operational requirements and ensure that search, retrieval, and clearing efforts continue without interruption.
"The work is not yet done," the BFP said.
The nine-story structure, which was being constructed as a hotel, collapsed before dawn on May 24 in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City. Most of those trapped were construction workers. Authorities earlier reported that 27 individuals had been rescued from the disaster.
As of the latest update, around 30 percent of the debris has been cleared. Intermittent rains have continued to hamper operations and make conditions more difficult for responders.
The tragedy has prompted investigations into possible violations of occupational safety and health standards. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier disclosed that the project had previously been issued a work stoppage order due to safety deficiencies.
Separate investigations are also looking into reports that the project, originally approved as a nine-story condo-hotel, may have undergone unauthorized modifications, including the construction of a swimming pool on a planned 10th floor.
Lawyers representing the building owner and contractor earlier said the owner is willing to extend assistance to affected families and is seeking an independent investigation to determine what caused the deadly incident.
As recovery operations continue, authorities have vowed to remain at the site until every missing individual has been accounted for.
Jun 7, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
