The death toll from the collapsed building in Angeles City has risen to five after rescuers recovered another body from the rubble, authorities said Thursday, May 28.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the latest victim, an unidentified male, was found on Wednesday, May 27 with the help of a K-9 unit from the Philippine Coast Guard.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. and City Information Officer Jay Pelayo confirmed that the remains were retrieved after more than 13 hours of careful operations amid heavy debris of concrete and steel.

Rescuers said the body was already in an advanced stage of decomposition, making the retrieval difficult and requiring extra caution to prevent further damage to the remains.

“As much as possible, makuha po natin sila nang buo at maayos,” Pelayo said, noting the challenges posed by the victim being pinned under collapsed materials.

Meanwhile, Pelayo said a cellphone was recovered from the victim, which may help in identifying the body. The remains have been turned over to Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) for proper documentation and identification.

The building collapsed early Sunday morning, trapping multiple individuals inside. As of Thursday morning, officials estimate that about 15 people remain missing.

Search, rescue and retrieval operations are ongoing, with K-9 units continuing to scan the site for possible signs of life.

Pelayo said the city’s Unified Command remains active, with responders working around the clock despite difficult conditions.

Authorities have yet to determine the identity of the latest victim, pending further forensic examination.

Rescue efforts continue as families await news of their missing loved ones.