The death toll from the collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Angeles City has risen to nine after rescuers recovered two more bodies from the rubble on Sunday.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection Region 3, the remains of the eighth fatality were recovered at 2:51 p.m., while the ninth victim was extricated from the debris at 3:43 p.m.
Despite the latest recoveries, authorities said they are still maintaining a list of 14 missing individuals pending the identification of the two most recently recovered bodies.
Jay Pelayo IV said officials continue to verify the identities of the victims as search and retrieval operations proceed.
Earlier in the day, the Angeles City Information Office reported the recovery of the remains of a male victim, bringing the death toll at that time to seven.
Search, retrieval, and clearing operations remain ongoing a week after the structure collapsed in Barangay Balibago during the early hours of May 24.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the collapse, although investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The nine-story building was still under construction when it suddenly gave way, trapping dozens of workers and occupants beneath the rubble. Rescue teams from multiple agencies remain on site as efforts continue to locate those still unaccounted for.
