Rescuers recovered another body from the collapsed nine-story building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga, on Wednesday morning, raising the death toll from the tragedy to 24.
The Unified Command reported that the 24th confirmed casualty was recovered at 10:57 a.m. during ongoing search, rescue, and retrieval operations at the collapse site.
“Another individual was successfully extricated at the collapse site, raising the total number of confirmed casualties to 24,” it said.
Earlier on Wednesday, responders recovered the 22nd victim shortly after 7 a.m., according to a report submitted by the Unified Command to Responsible Official and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II.
The 23rd victim was recovered from the rubble shortly after 9 a.m. as search and retrieval efforts continued.
The building, which was still under construction, collapsed in the early hours of May 23, 2026.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the structural failure and said investigations remain ongoing while recovery operations continue at the site.
Lazatin said initial findings indicated that structural modifications had allegedly been carried out without the necessary permits or approved revisions from the Office of the Building Official.
He also said private investigators had been tapped to help ensure a credible and impartial investigation into the incident.
Search, rescue, and retrieval teams remain at the site as authorities work to account for all individuals affected by the collapse.
