The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it is mobilizing equipment and personnel to support ongoing search and rescue operations after a nine-storey building under construction collapsed in Angeles City on Sunday morning, leaving at least 30 people reportedly trapped beneath debris.

In an interview, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III said it is coordinating with local disaster response units to augment rescue efforts, particularly by providing additional manpower, heavy equipment, and logistical assistance as teams struggle with unstable debris.

“Magbibigay kami ng equipment na meron kami na kailangan nila including mga life monitor at heartbeat detectors natin,” Torre said.

Torre said their heartbeat detectors will allow rescuers to determine if there are persons still alive underneath the rubble.

He added that the MMDA Search and Rescue Group, along with trained rescue dogs, will assist other rescuers. 

The Philippine Red Cross reported that the structure gave away early Sunday, affecting 30 to 40 workers at the time of the collapse. 

Officials have yet to determine what caused the structural failure, but investigators are expected to examine both construction practices and weather conditions at the time.

As of press time, no fatalities have been officially confirmed, but the situation remains critical as search and rescue operations continue around the clock.