Infant victim retrieved from Angeles building collapse; death toll now at 21

The emergency responders conducting search, rescue and retrieval operations at the site of the collapsed building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City extricated the 21st victim, an infant, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Central Luzon reported.

Earlier, BFP Central Luzon said three more bodies were recovered from the rubble Tuesday afternoon at 1:13 p.m., 1:17 p.m., and 1:19 p.m.

“As responders worked to establish access to Victim #18, who was located at 1110H, the operation led to the discovery of two more victims at 1303H, later designated as Victim #19 and Victim #20,” it said.

“Victim #19 was subsequently extricated at 1313H, followed by Victim #18 at 1317H and Victim #20 at 1319H,” it added.

With this development, authorities announced that 20 were confirmed dead, 27 were rescued, and no more persons were reported missing in the incident.

"Operations continue as personnel persist in their search and retrieval efforts throughout the collapse site," BFP Central Luzon posted on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, the agency also said "heavy equipment continues to assist in debris removal and access creation at the collapse site. Throughout the operation, spotters remain strategically positioned to guide equipment operators and monitor conditions on the ground."

"This coordinated approach helps ensure that debris is removed carefully while protecting responders and preserving any potential victim locations within the affected area," it said. — BAP, GMA News