Rescue teams recovered another body from the rubble of a collapsed building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga, bringing the death toll to five as search operations continued Thursday.

Authorities said a K9 unit from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) detected signs of a body beneath large chunks of debris during operations at past 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The search dog stopped at a section of the collapsed structure and barked repeatedly, signaling possible human presence.

“Naka-detect ’yung K9 dog ng isang human body,” Angeles City Information Officer Jay Pelayo IV, said.

“Nag-start na po ’yung extrication nitong human body,” he added.

Rescuers recovered the body around 8 a.m. Thursday. The victim, a man, was declared dead at the scene.

According to the local government, authorities recovered a cellphone near the body that may help identify the victim.

Despite the rising number of fatalities, rescue teams said they continue to hope that survivors may still be found inside the collapsed structure.

“We are not losing hope na sana magkaroon ng miracle na meron ma-retrieve na buhay na biktima,” FSUPT. Maria Leah Sajili, spokesperson of BFP-Central Luzon, said.

Search and rescue operations remained ongoing as authorities continued clearing debris from the site.

Meanwhile, government officials warned the construction company involved that it could face multiple charges in connection with the incident.

The Angeles City government said representatives of Golden Years Construction and Steelwork Corporation have yet to face local authorities following the collapse.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the government is prepared to compel company officials to appear before investigators.

“We will issue a subpoena, and will put a hold [departure order] sa airport para mag-report sila,” Remulla said.

Authorities said the company may face criminal and civil complaints, as well as possible labor code violations.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino also cited possible safety lapses at the construction site.

“Ang pagkukulang dito ay hindi nagkaroon ng tulugan sa construction site mismo. Dapat may barracks. Pangalawa, hindi dapat kasama ng pamilya. May report si mayor na may ibang may kasamang pamilya sa loob. Hindi dapat ’yun,” Tolentino said.

Investigators are still determining the exact cause of the building collapse.