Budget hotel in Malate collapses

A Sogo hotel branch in Malate, Manila collapsed on Monday morning. Courtesy of Manila Public Information Office

MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — A Sogo branch in Malate, Manila collapsed on Monday morning and injured several individuals.

The Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) said in a tweet that emergency response units have already been deployed in the area.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno was also on the scene to survey the area.

Based on first responders of the incident, the building, which was under demolition, collapsed around 9:30 a.m., MPIO Chief Julius Leonen told reporters in a Viber message.

Courtesy of Manila Public Information Office

Two individuals were reported trapped inside the collapsed building. According to eye witnesses, the two were last seen at the left side of the third floor.

They were identified as Jeremie Fabello and Melo Ison.

Moreno has already ordered the management of Sogo to check if there are still other customers inside when the incident happen.

Rescue operations are still ongoing in the collapsed site.

Moreno has also ordered Sogo hotel on the Adriatico side not to entertain customers for safety purposes. /je 

Courtesy of Manila Public Information Office