Angeles city: Two Malaysians have been affected by the collapse of a building still under construction in Angeles City over the weekend, the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila confirmed. The embassy reported that one of the individuals has been confirmed safe through verified information from local authorities, while they are still seeking more information regarding the status of the other Malaysian national.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Embassy of Malaysia stated that it is maintaining close communication with local authorities to monitor the well-being of the citizen who is confirmed safe and to verify the status and whereabouts of the remaining national. The embassy is making all necessary efforts to locate and establish contact with the next of kin of both individuals. It also extended its sympathies to the victims and their families, emphasizing the Ministry's deepest thoughts and sympathies for all those affected by the incident.
The embassy has urged Malaysians requiring consular assistance or those with information about other Malaysian nationals in the area to contact the Embassy through its emergency number or email. Rescue operations are currently ongoing for individuals who may be trapped in the wreckage of the collapsed building.
On Sunday, at least 24 people were rescued from the nine-story building under construction that collapsed along Teodoro Street in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City. The cause of the collapse and the number of casualties are still under investigation.
In response to the incident, Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to reopen its investigation into the occupational safety and health standards related to the building collapse. Villanueva expressed gratitude to government agencies and rescue teams for their efforts in locating workers still pinned under the rubble. He emphasized the importance of determining whether the contractor and building owner addressed any safety violations found during an inspection in September last year, especially since no additional inspection was conducted this year.
