Authorities recovered two more bodies from the rubble of a collapsed nine-story structure in Angeles City, Pampanga, raising the death toll to three as rescuers continued searching for about 17 people still missing.
Angeles City information chief Jose “Jay” Pelayo IV said one of the victims was retrieved early Monday after rescuers initially reached him alive beneath the debris.
In a radio interview, Pelayo said the victim, identified only as “Mark Lawrence,” was still alive when responders found him. Rescuers were able to insert an intravenous line while trying to stabilize him, but he later died.
“Maybe his body just couldn’t handle it anymore, and he passed away,” Pelayo said.
A second body was recovered at around 7:20 a.m., according to Pelayo.
“So we already recorded three deaths due to the collapse of the structure. And based on our estimate, there are more or less 17 still missing,” he said.
The first reported fatality was a Malaysian national who was trapped in a nearby apartelle when the building collapsed. Pelayo said authorities have coordinated with the Malaysian Embassy in Manila for the turnover of the victim’s remains.
The structure, which was still under construction, collapsed in Angeles City on Sunday, May 24, triggering a major search and rescue operation. Reuters also reported that the death toll had risen to three, with 17 still missing as rescue efforts continued.
Most of those believed trapped were construction workers. Rescue operations have been complicated by unstable debris, as responders worked through concrete slabs, steel bars and other wreckage in the hope of locating survivors.
Authorities are also investigating the cause of the collapse. Reuters reported that the structure had been permitted as a nine-story condo-hotel, while an unauthorized 10th floor was allegedly under construction for a swimming pool.
Search and rescue teams remained at the site as families awaited updates on missing workers and other possible victims.