Building Under Construction Collapses in Philippines, Two Rescued

Central News Agency (Manila, 23rd) Philippine officials said that two people initially thought to be trapped under the rubble survived after a building under construction collapsed early today, and have made contact with rescuers. Authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing. Reuters reported that officials in Angeles City, about 80 kilometers north of the capital Manila, said, 'They (the survivors) have been in contact. We are waiting for more details, but rescuers are doing their best to get the survivors out of the ruins.' Officials said in a phone interview that the number of people rescued in the collapse of the 9-story building, including nearby residents, has risen to 24, and there are currently no reports of deaths. The survivors include a 51-year-old Malaysian citizen who was staying in a serviced apartment affected by the collapse. It is unclear how many people remain trapped. Officials noted, 'Usually 19 people work at the site, so we are working hard to search for them.' He previously told DZBB radio that according to a site manager who successfully escaped, the number of people trapped could be between 30 and 40.