Building Collapse in Angeles: Families Seek Answers Amid Tragedy

In Angeles, Philippines, Lea Casilao expected a morning text from her husband, Joselito. He often replied with “Good morning, love.” On Sunday, her phone stayed silent. Joselito had been at the workers’ barracks that night, texting her until late. This suggested he might be trapped in the building collapse that occurred at dawn.

Rescuers worked tirelessly until Monday evening, using life locator equipment. They found no signs of life, shifting efforts to recover the victims’ remains.

Casilao expressed her despair: “My hope of still finding him alive has collapsed,” she said.

The construction site had been their meeting place that Sunday. Unable to contact Joselito, Casilao visited the site. She saw the aftermath: concrete debris, twisted metal, and collapsed scaffolding.

Sitting in a makeshift tent, Casilao continued trying to reach him, surrounded by other families yearning for news.

Maria Leah Sajili, a Bureau of Fire Protection spokesperson, addressed the situation. “We sympathize with what you are going through. We did everything to save lives, and now focus shifts to moving forward,” she assured those waiting for answers.

Authorities confirmed at least four deaths, including a Malaysian national. Sixteen individuals, mostly construction workers, remained missing.

Nineteen-year-old Evelyn Alicaway lost her father. Informed by her uncle, she later saw a video on social media. Despite blurred images, she recognized him among those rescuers tried to pull out.

Alicaway reflected on her discovery, “Even with his face blurred, I knew it was him. It hurt watching my father like that,” she shared tearfully at his funeral.

Officials have launched an inquiry into the building’s sudden collapse. Permission was granted for nine stories, yet a swimming pool was added on an undesignated 10th floor.

The site faced a work stoppage in September 2025 due to safety breaches. The pause lifted a month later after meeting regulations.

Rosenda, Alicaway’s mother, urged the building owner to acknowledge responsibility. “This isn’t what we wanted, but they must coordinate with us. Families are suffering,” she emphasized.