The death toll from the collapsed building, which was under construction in Angeles, Pampanga, has risen to 13, announced the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon on Monday afternoon.

On Monday morning, it was reported on MBC TV Network News that the body of a twelfth victim was found after grueling efforts during clearing and retrieval operations in Barangay Balibago. The 13th casualty was announced just hours after.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon, removal of the debris proved difficult, with operatives needing to use pry bars, sledgehammers, jackhammers, and acetylene cutting equipment to aid the operation.

Meanwhile, 10 of the other recovered bodies were identified, nine of them male and one female.

At present, search, rescue and retrieval operations are still ongoing, more than a week after the incident.

A day after the collapse, a total of 26 individuals had been rescued. According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), 267 personnel from the BFP Special Rescue Force, Emergency Medical Service teams, and other augmentation units from various provinces were deployed to the site.

“Hanggang may mahagip, hanggang may maligtas, tuloy ang operasyon. The safety and preservation of life remain our highest priority. We recognize the extraordinary courage of our rescuers who continue to place themselves in harm’s way under extremely dangerous conditions to save others,” the DILG said on May 25.