Authorities Arrest Man After Pretending to Be a Survivor of Angeles City Building Collapse
Authorities in Angeles City have arrested a man who allegedly pretended to be one of the survivors of the recent structure building in Pampanga.
The man claimed that he was near Barangay Balibago buying beer when the structure suddenly collapsed, making it appear that he had been involved in the tragedy and survived the incident.
According to the Angeles City Police Office, the man was able to receive financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on May 27 after presenting himself as one of those affected by the collapse.
However, authorities became suspicious when he reportedly tried to apply for additional financial aid. This prompted officials to verify his identity and investigate his background more closely.
The investigation revealed that the man was not among the construction workers connected to the collapsed structure. Police also discovered that he was not a resident of Angeles City and was actually from Manila.
As authorities continued their inquiry, the suspect eventually admitted that the story he shared was entirely made up. Further information also suggested that he had been encouraging other people to seek financial assistance even though they were not legitimate victims of the incident.
City officials strongly condemned the act, stressing that taking advantage of a tragedy for personal gain is unacceptable. They emphasized that aid programs are intended for people who are genuinely affected and in need of support.
“Mayroon pa po siyang sinasabing mga kasamahan na ine-entice o hinihikayat na makakuha ng financial assistance, ang one thing clear dito ay wala siyang business to be here at the site,” information officer of Angeles City, Jose Aubrey Pelayo IV said.
The local government also reminded the public and members of the media to be careful when verifying information, especially during emergencies and disasters. Officials encouraged everyone to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports online, as false claims can create confusion and divert resources away from real victims.
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