A GOVERNMENT rescuer at the collapsed building in Angeles City. (FB)
ANGELES CITY – The seventh fatality in the building collapse here was recovered as search and retrieval operations continue one week after the incident on Sunday, May 31.
The Unified Command said the body of an unidentified male was extricated at 7:50 a.m.
His remains were turned over to the City Health Office for proper tagging and documentation under Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) protocols to ensure accurate identification. A vaccination card was recovered near his remains with a name that may assist in identification.
Angeles City Mayor Jon Lazatin reiterated that identification processes are being handled with strict protocols to ensure accuracy and prevent premature disclosure of information.
Responders continue to follow safety procedures, including structural assessment, shoring, controlled breaching, and systematic debris removal, he assured.
Lawyers representing the building owner and contractor held a press conference Saturday and said that the building owner is willing to extend assistance to the victims and their families.
They added that the owner is seeking an independent investigation of the incident, separate from ongoing government-led inquiries, to better understand the cause of the structural failure and ensure transparency.
Police Major Ronan Eblahan, Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) Station 4 chief, has called on fake survivors or victims of the incident to return whatever benefits they obtained.
Eblahan said exploiting a tragedy is unacceptable, especially when legitimate victims and their families continue to suffer from the effects of the disaster. Police are investigating several individuals suspected of making similar false claims.
The city government had earlier warned people to remain vigilant against individuals falsely posing as victims or survivors of the building collapse.
The city government issued the reminder after the ACPO apprehended a man who claimed on social media that he survived the incident and managed to obtain benefits.
Lazatin, Unified Command Management Responsible Official, and Reverend. Fr. Enrique Luzung of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, prayed for victims and responders Saturday.
The mayor thanked volunteer responders, partner agencies, individuals, and organizations for their efforts and donors in the operations. Lazatin reminded people to continue cooperating in ongoing operations.