(UPDATED) A Malate, Manila, motel that was undergoing the slow process of manual demolition suddenly collapsed without warning this morning, leaving at least one person injured and two dead.
The branch of Sogo Motel, a popular chain of budget hotels, collapsed at about 9:30am, rescuers told The Philippine Daily Inquirer. A supervisor of the two missing laborers, identified as Melo Ison and Jeromie Fabello, said the men were last seen on the third floor of the building, according to CNN Philippines.
Ison’s dead body was found at around 3pm. Meanwhile, rescuers are still searching for Fabello’s remains, according to Pilipino Star Ngayon. One worker who sustained injuries was brought to a hospital.
Firemen present at the scene said parts of the structure still standing are in danger of collapsing as well, because its foundations were shaken due to this morning’s incident.
Rescue operations are ongoing and are being supervised by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and the Manila Police District. Moreno said city hall will conduct an investigation to identify who is responsible for the building’s collapse.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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