Death toll in Pampanga building collapse climbs to six
Six people are now confirmed dead following the building collapse in Pampanga.
According to a Facebook post by the Bureau of Fire Protection Central Luzon, their search and rescue unit recovered a sixth body at 12:40 a.m. on Friday, May 29.
BFP Central Luzon added that It has been the sixth day of search, rescue, and retrieval operations in the area as clearing operations continue in partnership with other agencies.
On May 24, at least 47 people were affected by collapse of a nine-story building in Balibago, Angeles City collapes during a thunderstorm. Four people were initially reported dead while 27 were rescued, and 16 are either reported missing or unaccounted for.
Authorities from the Unified Command System called off search-and-rescue operations the next day. They based the decision on data from a Pasig City Local Government Unit Life Locator, which had consistently failed to detect any signs of life in the area.
Since May 26, operations are focused on retrieval and clearing activities.
Philippine National Police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. earlier said the agency will help in the investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and any possible violations of safety and building regulations.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, Angeles City LGU said that Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II is calling on the contractor and the owner "to show up and cooperate with the authorities."
"If negligence caused this tragedy, those responsible must answer for it. The government’s duty does not end at the incident site," they wrote.
"The families of the victims deserve answers. The authorities deserve cooperation. The public deserves accountability ...and accountability begins with showing up," the statement continued.
