Cops sent to secure Pampanga building collapse site, assist in search and rescue
PNP says investigation will be conducted for truth, accountability
Policemen secure the site where a building under construction collapsed on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Angeles City, Pampanga. (photo: PNP)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) wants to find answers on why that building in Angeles City collapsed “in the interest of truth and accountability” but for now, Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the main focus is to save as many lives.
Nartatez said they deployed a sufficient number of policemen in ground zero to reinforce all search and rescue teams that were sent to rescue at least 20 construction workers who are believed to have been trapped after the building collapse.
He said those mobilized include personnel who were assigned to secure the site and roads to ensure the smooth and fast entry and exit of manpower and resources for search and rescue missions.
“Every second matters in a crisis, and our duty is to act without delay—bringing every available asset to save lives, account for the missing, and support affected families on the ground,” Nartatez said.
The structure, still under construction, collapsed around 3 a.m. last Sunday, May 24, and rescue efforts remain constrained as the site was highly unstable.
Nartatez said police units on the ground were also instructed to establish immediate support facilities for affected families and survivors, ‘’I also instructed the Pampanga police to set up an on-site first aid and welfare desk to immediately provide medical and psychosocial support for the victims.
Amid ongoing rescue operations, PNP personnel were also tasked to coordinate closely with local government units and other agencies to properly account for all casualties and survivors.
Police assistance extended beyond rescue, as validation of reports continues.
“Our men are also tasked to coordinate with other agencies and the local government units in validating casualty reports,’’ Nartatez said.