ANGELES City police arrested an unidentified male who presented himself as a survivor in the tragic building collapse in Barangay Balibago and received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development last May 27.

The poseur even made himself available to reporters covering in the news, mostly from TV networks in Manila.

During his interview, the man said he and the other construction workers were drinking at the site, when he offered to buy more beer. He also said the building collapsed before he could get back inside.

The suspect could had ran away after receiving the cash aid but decided to seek financial assistance anew which led authorities to properly check his background.

Further investigation conducted by the Angles City Police Office confirmed the individual was neither a survivor nor connected to any of the victims of the incident.

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The police also discovered that he is not a resident of Angeles City. The man later admitted to fabricating the entire story.

The individual is currently under police custody as authorities prepare the filing of appropriate charges against him.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II strongly condemned those taking advantage of the tragedy for personal gain.

“This is a very painful incident that has deeply affected many families. A lot of people have suffered and continue to suffer because of this tragedy. What we need right now is empathy, honesty, and understanding — not exploitation,” Lazatin said.

In a Facebook post, the Angeles City government has warned the “public and members of the media to remain vigilant against individuals falsely posing as victims or survivors of the incident.”