4 more bodies retrieved from collapsed building

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga – The number of fatalities in the collapse of a nine-story building in Barangay Balibago in this city has increased to 25 following the recovery of four more bodies yesterday.

The recovery of additional fatalities came as the search and rescue operation marked its 11th day.

A report received by Angeles Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II showed that the bodies were retrieved at 7:21, 9:12 and 10:57 a.m., and before 4 p.m.

The bodies were turned over to the city health office for identification and documentation.

Meanwhile, the owner and the contractor of the building have reportedly offered P150,000 in financial assistance to each family of the victims.

Willie Rivera, counsel for the Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corp., said the building owner and the company are ready to provide financial assistance to settle the matter amicably.

Earlier, two officials of the City Building Office were placed under preventive suspension pending results of an investigation.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has given assurance that the search and rescue operation would continue until all victims are found.

The search and rescue team used heavy equipment to remove debris and establish access routes to be able to penetrate through the rubble.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the collapse of the structure, which was undergoing construction at the time of the incident.                       –