Authorities have identified the two bodies that were recovered consecutively from the rubble of the collapsed nine-story building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga.
According to the Angeles City local government, the two victims were identified as a father and son.
The body of a 51-year-old construction worker was recovered early Friday, May 29, and later confirmed to be the father of a 26-year-old worker whose remains were retrieved on May 27.
City Information Officer Jay Pelayo said the sixth casualty was identified as the father of the fifth victim previously retrieved from the rubble.
“Ito pong 6th casualty ay napag-alamang father po nung 5th casualty natin na naunang nakuha,” Pelayo said.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Central Luzon reported that the sixth victim’s remains were recovered at around 12:40 a.m. Friday from the debris of the collapsed building in Barangay Balibago.
Authorities also disclosed that the names of the father and son were not included in the official list of missing individuals.
The victims were immediately identified by their families, and their remains have already been turned over to their relatives.
Based on the latest report from the BFP – Central Luzon as of May 29, the death toll from the building collapse has risen to six. The nine-story structure collapsed on Sunday, May 24.
Meanwhile, 27 individuals were successfully rescued, while 14 others remain missing as search, rescue, and retrieval operations continue.
The Angeles City local government said it is coordinating with the building owner and contractor as authorities continue investigating the cause of the collapse.
Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said the building owner and contractor may face a hold departure order while the investigation is ongoing.
“Tingin ko hindi naman sila pwedeng makaalis dito sa Pilipinas dahil gaya ng sinabi ni secretary lahat ‘yan ay bibigyan ng hold departure order,” Lazatin said.
The mayor added that the building owner and contractor have assured the local government that they are not hiding and are willing to assist the victims’ families and cooperate with authorities.
Lazatin also said private investigators have been tapped to help ensure a credible and impartial investigation into the incident.
“Technically, mayroon tayong kinuhang mga tao para imbestigahan po ito, dahil hindi naman basta imbestigasyon po ito. Kaya naghanap po tayo ng pribado para tumulong sa ating imbestigasyon para credible ang magiging imbestigasyon hindi lagi galing sa gobyerno. Patas nga lagi ang pag-iimbestiga natin,” the mayor added.
