Authorities call off rescue efforts at collapsed Angeles building site
Officials of the Unified Command System ceased their search-and-rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building in Angeles, Pampanga on Monday night, May 25.
According to the Angeles City Information Office, authorities reached this decision based on data from a Life Locator provided by a team from the Pasig City Local Government Unit. The search-and-rescue device had consistently found no signs of life in the area. Guided by the findings, the Incident Command System, which oversees the Unified Command System, decided to call off search-and-rescue activities.
The conclusion of rescue efforts capped two days of searching through the rubble of the nine-storey building in Barangay Balibago, which collapsed before dawn on May 24 during a thunderstorm.
On the same day of the collapse, 24 individuals were rescued at the site, with an additional two more found at a nearby affected apartelle. The day ended with construction workers still trapped under debris.
At the conclusion of rescue efforts, the death toll was four, with 17 still missing.
Beginning Tuesday, May 26, operations will focus on retrieval and clearing activities.
In a statement, the Angeles City Information Office thanked volunteers from the private sector, national agencies, local government units, and the different organizations who sent assistance in the form of search-and-rescue equipment, manpower, food, structural assessment, and other support.
"Sa gitna ng pagsubok na ito, patuloy na pinapakita ng bawat isa ang diwa ng bayanihan, malasakit, at pagkakaisa para sa kapwa," the office wrote on behalf of Angeles City Mayor Carmelo "Jon" Lazatin II.
"Hinihikayat din ni Mayor Jon Lazatin ang lahat ng Angeleños na ipagpatuloy ang panalangin, suporta, at pakikiisa para sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng naapektuhan, gayundin para sa ating mga rescuers at responders na patuloy na nagsasagawa ng operasyon araw at gabi," the office added.
Although operations have shifted, Lazatin ordered the retrieval teams to remain respectful toward the victims' remains and give them dignity and proper handling throughout the recovery process.
