Another body has been recovered from the rubble of the collapsed condotel in Angeles City, Pampanga, bringing the death toll from the May 24 tragedy to 27, authorities said Thursday.
The Bureau of Fire Protection Central Luzon, which is leading the search, rescue and retrieval operations, said the latest fatality was extricated at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday as operations entered their 12th day.
The body was found near the 26th fatality, which had been recovered about 30 minutes earlier.
“Another individual has been extricated near Victim No. 26, raising the number of confirmed casualties to 27,” BFP Central Luzon said.
The Angeles City information office said search, rescue and retrieval operations are continuing while clearing and assessment activities are being carried out under the Unified Command System.
Authorities also reported that a live chicken was found in the rubble at around 8:58 a.m. Thursday.
It was the second animal found alive after the collapse, following the earlier rescue of a dog owned by one of the construction workers.
“The chicken is believed to have triggered several life detector activations in the area over the past few days,” BFP Central Luzon said.