A nine-story building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, Pampanga province, north of Manila, early Sunday following a severe thunderstorm, leaving at least 21 people missing, according to local authorities. Police, fire service, and disaster response teams launched a large-scale rescue operation, reporting that voices were heard from beneath the debris, raising hopes of survivors. Police Brigadier General Jess Mendez said 24 workers either escaped or were rescued, with some sustaining injuries, but no deaths had been confirmed.

Francis Pangilinan, head of the Angeles City disaster management office, stated that most of the missing individuals were believed to be construction workers. Debris from the collapse also damaged a nearby residential structure, injuring two people, including a Malaysian tourist. Rescue teams, aided by trained dogs, continued searching under highly unstable conditions.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said signs of life were detected under the rubble, but the area remained extremely dangerous, requiring careful rescue efforts. The site lies within the Clark Freeport Zone, a major commercial and entertainment hub about 80 kilometers north of Metro Manila.