Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre returned to disputed South China Sea after 15 years, while efforts continue to rescue trapped in a collapsed building in Angeles City, Manila.
A Philippine flag flutters on BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999, on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea , on March 29, 2014.
MANILA - Two people feared trapped after a building collapse in the Philippines were alive and communicating with rescuers on Sunday , an official said, as rescue efforts continued.
"They are in constant communication. We are awaiting more details, but our rescuers are doing their best to pull the survivors out of the rubble," Jay Pelayo, information officer Angeles City north of the capital Manila, told Reuters. The number rescued in the collapse of the nine-storey building under construction, including those in the vicinity, has risen to 24, with no deaths reported, Pelayo said in a phone interview.
Among the rescued was a 51-year-old Malaysian national who was staying in a nearby budget hotel, which was damaged when the concrete structure collapsed. It was unclear how many were still feared trapped, with a site engineer saying 19 people had been working at the site, Pelayo said.
"We are trying to determine whether all 19 were there. " He had told DZBB radio that 30 to 40 people were feared trapped, based on information from a site foreman who was among those who escaped. It was not immediately clear what caused the collapse, but the city engineer was reviewing the construction history, Pelayo said, adding that moving the concrete debris was a challenge for rescuers.
Images shared by DZBB showed the building reduced to a heap of concrete and twisted metal, covered in green netting. Ambulances were on standby and heavy equipment on its way to assist in the rescue, Pelayo said.
Philippines News Philippine Navy Ship BRP Sierra Madre Disputed Second Thomas Shoal South China Sea Angeles City Building Collapse Rescue Efforts Malaysian National Concrete Collapse Site Engineer's Estimation City Engineer's Review
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
False Allegations Against South Korean Actor Kim Soo-hyunInvestigations have concluded that the allegations against South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun were partially based on AI-fabricated material spread by journalist-turned-YouTuber Kim Se-eui. The allegations were discovered to be false, according to local police.
Read more »
UK Royal Navy Prepares for Mine-Clearing Mission in Strait of HormuzThe UK Royal Navy is preparing to deploy hundreds of sailors for a mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran since February. The mission aims to secure the waterway for international shipping and energy supplies.
Read more »
Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs to Visit China, North Korea, and South Korea Amid Global ChallengesSingapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan is on a five-day working visit to China, North Korea, and South Korea, where he will meet with his counterparts to discuss global challenges and strengthen bilateral ties.
Read more »
South African Activists Describe Harsh Treatment During Israeli DetentionSouth African activists who were detained during an attempt to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza claim to have been beaten, tortured, and shocked with electricity during interrogation. Their account of their ordeal includes claims of denial of water, food, and toilet access.
Read more »