Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that two Malaysians were affected in the building collapse incident in Angeles City, north of the Philippine capital Manila, on Sunday.
In a statement, the ministry said one Malaysian has been confirmed safe, while the Malaysian Embassy in Manila is still working closely with local authorities to verify the status of another citizen believed to be involved in the incident.
“The Embassy of Malaysia is maintaining close contact with local authorities to monitor the condition of the Malaysian confirmed safe and to determine the status and location of the second Malaysian,” the ministry said.
Authorities are also making efforts to contact and trace the next of kin of both individuals involved.
The ministry added that rescue operations are still ongoing as emergency personnel continue searching for people feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The tragic incident involved a nine-storey building that was still under construction when it suddenly collapsed early Sunday morning in Angeles City.
According to media reports, 26 people were successfully rescued following the collapse.
Out of that number, 24 victims were pulled out from the collapsed structure itself, while another two were rescued from a nearby apartment hotel that was also affected by the incident.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry expressed its deepest sympathies to all victims and families impacted by the disaster.
Malaysians requiring immediate consular assistance or those with information regarding other Malaysians who may be in the affected area have been urged to contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila through its official emergency channels.
