WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR: Angeles City nine-story building collapse

A total of 17 people are still missing following the collapse of a nine-story building in Angeles City, Pampanga, which happened before dawn on Sunday.

Authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities has increased to four as of 10:30 a.m. Monday.

One victim of the collapse was a Malaysian tourist who was trapped in an apartelle next to the site. Before this, authorities said that the rescuers were still able to communicate with the male tourist via cellphone.

The Malaysian embassy was coordinating with local authorities regarding the tragic incident.

Meanwhile, one of the victims was among the two individuals whom authorities were trying but failed to rescue the evening of the incident.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon, the victim initially suffered cardiac arrest at the site but could not be immediately declared dead until examined by a doctor. He was later transported to Rafael Lazatin Hospital.

Still, on the evening of Sunday, authorities declared a 24-hour search-and-rescue (SAR) operation.

BFP Central Luzon spokesperson Fire Superintendent Maria Leah Saijili said Monday, responders continue conducting repeated thermal scans and deploying canine units to detect possible signs of life.

Saijili said rescue efforts would continue if signs of life were detected. Otherwise, responders would shift to retrieval operations.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has offered help in providing the necessary equipment and personnel for the SAR.

However, heavy equipment remained on standby. Authorities say it could not yet be fully deployed because of interconnected steel components that raise the risk of further collapse if moved improperly.

The Philippine National Police has initiated helping in the investigation of the cause of the collapse.

The site is located along Teodoro Street in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City. — RSJ, GMA News