The number of fatalities from the collapse of a nine-story building in Angeles City, Pampanga, has risen to 21. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon reported that the remains of an infant were recovered from Quadrant 2 of the disaster site at around 6:01 PM, as search and retrieval operations continue.
Authorities Investigate Identity
Fire Superintendent Maria Leah Sajili, Regional Public Information Officer of BFP-Central Luzon, stated that the infant's identity has not yet been confirmed as it is undergoing examination by Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO). Earlier reports from survivors indicated that children might have been present at the construction site, as some workers had temporarily housed their families there. Authorities are now investigating whether the infant was among those living in the area.
List of Victims Grows
The infant's remains add to the growing list of casualties, which includes construction workers, a nearby vendor, a Malaysian tourist staying in an adjacent hotel, and other victims. Clearing operations by responders are ongoing in hopes of recovering more victims from the rubble.
