Malaysian tourist confirmed dead after building collapses in Angeles City; at least 20 others still missing

A Malaysian citizen who was trapped in an apartelle next to the collapsed building in Angeles City, Pampanga has died.

According to Darlene Cay’s report on “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, the fatality was confirmed by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the remains have been recovered.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon earlier said that rescuers were able to communicate with the male tourist via cellphone.

The incident occurred early Sunday morning.

Lorena Angcao is patiently waiting for news about her brother and sister-in-law who were vendors whose store was near the collapsed structure that was planned as a nine-story hotel.

An acquaintance who survived the tragedy told Lorena that her brother and his wife were sleeping in their store, hence, they weren’t able to run for their lives.

“Honestly, I’m no longer expecting that my brother and sister-in-law are still alive given how long since the incident happened. My brother easily loses breath,” said Lorena.

While most of the victims are construction workers, Bryan Sytangco is one of the few who survived the tragedy. He recalled that the incident happened while they were sleeping at the barracks beneath the building. He also suffered wounds on his head, arms, and legs.

“It was 2:30 a.m. when the building collapsed. I was sleeping then…We were buried in cement,” Bryan recalled.

Also staying at the barracks were the workers’ families. Bryan’s cousin and his 17-year-old son were among those believed to be still trapped.

The BFP are manually clearing the debris as the search and rescue operations for more than 20 other individuals are still ongoing. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News