On his first official day as Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) chief, Acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino ordered the preventive suspension of the agency’s Region III director as investigations continue into the building collapse in Balibago.

Tolentino said DOLE Region III Director Geraldine Panlilio will be placed under a one-month preventive suspension while authorities look into possible lapses linked to the collapse of a nine-story condominium project that pancaked onto a nearby hotel.

As of the latest reports, the bodies of four individuals—including a Malaysian national and two trapped construction workers—have been recovered from the debris, while 18 others remain missing as retrieval operations continue.

Panlilio earlier disclosed that DOLE inspectors had ordered a temporary shutdown of the construction site in September 2024 due to occupational safety violations. She said labor inspectors found unsafe working conditions, including the absence of protective gear such as hard hats, boots, safety belts, and lifelines, as well as poor lighting and lack of safety signage. Construction resumed a month later after the contractor complied with safety requirements.

Meanwhile, Panlilio said she is prepared to face the investigation as a public servant, expressing confidence that their actions will withstand scrutiny.

“We are ready to face the investigation, we are really hoping and praying na makikita po ng buong bayan na ginawa po namin ang aming trabaho. Our new Secretary has the right to really look into the matter. We are prepared to face this,” Panlilio said.

She added that as the official who issued and later lifted the work stoppage order, she is ready to answer all questions in the proper forum.

Authorities said the probe remains ongoing as they assess accountability and compliance with workplace safety regulations connected to the incident.