4 more bodies retrieved from rubble of collapsed Philippine building; death toll rises to 10

The death toll from the collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Angeles City, Philippines, rose to 10 on May 31 as rescuers pulled four more bodies from the wreckage. The building collapsed before dawn on May 24, trapping construction workers and damaging adjacent properties. Search, rescue, and retrieval operations have persisted for seven days, even amidst heavy overnight rains, with responders holding onto hope for potential survivors.

Among the identified victims are construction workers Roberto Sabile, 51, and his son Christian Sabile, 26, along with Mark Laurence Capungay, 21, and Porperio Alikaway, 66. A Malaysian national, Mond Reza Abdullah, 65, who was staying at a nearby hotel, was also among those killed. Another victim remains unidentified.

As the recovery efforts entered their seventh day, city authorities have intensified their investigation into the cause of the collapse. Norbert Lagman, the City Building Official, and Marlon Lingat, the City Structural Engineer, have been placed under a 60-day preventive suspension. This action coincides with the establishment of the Angeles City Fact-Finding and Investigation Task Force, tasked with scrutinizing permits, engineering plans, construction documents, and adherence to safety regulations.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II assured the public of a fair investigation and accountability for those found responsible. Representatives from both the building owner and contractor have pledged cooperation with the probe. However, some victims' relatives have claimed they have yet to be contacted by the owner or contractor, despite the contractor's counsel stating that assistance efforts are ongoing.