Philippines ends rescue efforts as hope fades for victims of building collapse

Authorities have called off search and rescue operations on Monday evening after emergency crew, using life locator equipment, determined there were no longer signs of life beneath the rubble of the building that collapsed in north Manila.

The under construction building had collapsed in the city of Angeles at dawn on Sunday.

The focus shifted on Tuesday to recovering the remains of the victims.

At least four people have been confirmed dead, including a Malaysian national whose body was recovered on Sunday from a neighbouring hotel building that had also been hit by the collapse. Another 16, mostly construction workers, remain missing.

One of those who died was the father of 19-year-old Evelyn Alicaway. She said she learned of the accident from her uncle, and after seeing a video on social media she knew it was her father that rescuers were attempting to pull from the rubble.

Authorities have launched an investigation into why the building collapsed, and whether or not it violated the terms of its construction permit: though only nine storeys were approved, a swimming pool was under construction on the 10th floor.

The Philippine labour agency stopped work at the site in September 2025 over safety violations, but lifted the order a month later after the company complied with regulations.

"We hope the owner will take responsibility and address what happened to the workers. The families are also suffering. This is not what we wanted, but they need to coordinate with us," Alicaway's mother, Rosenda, said.