NCCC mall fire death toll still 37, Mayor Duterte clarifies

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Tuesday night clarified that there were 37 individuals killed in the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) Mall fire, contrary to an earlier report that the death toll has reached 38.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Duterte said a certain Hongijangjian was removed from the initial list as it was believed to be an "error" or "prank."

"Person who listed the name cannot be contacted anymore," Duterte said.

Duterte also said one Melvin Ga-ang, an employee of the NCCC, is still missing.

Here is the updated list of the deceased and missing individuals as of 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday:

Deceased SSI employees

1. Jessica Solis
2. Gantioco Celestial Jr
3. Ian Kiem Adlawan
4. Regine Generales
5. Christen Joy Garzon
6. Apple Jane Celades
7. Iana Apalacio
8. Jonas Basalan
9. Jim Benedict Quimsing
10. Kurtchin Angela Bangoy
11. Mary Joy Daluro
12. Randy Balcao
13. Rosyl Montanez
14. Missy Rose Artiaga
15. Analiza Penarejo
16. Christine Joy Ferraren
17. Ivan Roble
18. Christine Alviola
19. Alexandra Moreno Castillo
20. Jimboy Limosnero
21. Desiree Gayle Zacarias
22. Jesseca Samontina
23. Mary Louielyn Bongcayao
24. Nancy Loyd Abad
25. Jeffrey Sismar
26. Johani Matundo
27. Joyne Pabelonia
28. Elyn Joy Yorsua
29. Shiela Mae Bacaling
30. Lister Jade Entera
31. Charlyn Liwaya
32. Mikko Demafeliz
33. Roderick Antipuesto
34. Rhenzi Nova Muyco
35. Roderick Constantinopla
36. Venus Joy Kimpo
37. Janine Joy Obo

Missing NCCC employee

1. Melvin Ga-ang

The fire incident happened last Saturday morning. A witness claimed the blaze started from the third floor of the building.

President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to assist the victims' families. —Anna Felicia Bajo and Nicole-Anne Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News