The Philippine National Police (PNP) has joined the investigation into the collapse of a nine-storey building in Angeles City, Pampanga, to determine the root cause and possible violations of safety and building regulations.
PNP Chief Confirms Ongoing Operations
PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that rescue operations continue despite hazardous conditions caused by unstable debris and live power lines. The Police Regional Office 3 earlier deployed over 100 police officers to assist the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in search and retrieval operations, traffic management, and security.
Public Advisory Issued
The PNP advised the public to avoid the area to avoid interfering with ongoing operations. According to the latest report, four people have been confirmed dead, while 17 remain missing. Twenty-six of the 47 victims have been rescued. Most of the trapped victims were construction workers.
