Philippines Ends Rescue Effort After Building Collapse in Angeles

Emergency officials in the northern Philippines ended a two-day rescue operation on Tuesday for 16 people missing after a nine-storey building under construction collapsed early on Sunday. The structure fell onto a nearby hotel in the city of Angeles, north of Manila. Four bodies, including those of a Malaysian man and two construction workers, have been recovered from the debris.

Rescue teams using life-locator equipment found no further signs of life beneath the rubble late on Monday, prompting the decision to end search efforts. Officials said one person originally listed as missing later confirmed he had not been at the site.

Up to 70 people were employed at the construction site, though most had left for the weekend. Authorities have now begun recovering remains. Maria Leah Sajili, information officer at the regional Bureau of Fire Protection, addressed families at a news briefing on Tuesday.

“We know how hard this is for you. We sympathise with what you are going through. ”

Alfredo Albis, 55, told AFP he believed two of his cousins who worked with him at the site were among the missing. Lea Casilao, 47, whose husband remains unaccounted for, said she had planned to meet him at the site on Sunday afternoon.