Rescue operations intensified Thursday morning after responders reportedly detected possible signs of life beneath the rubble of the collapsed structure in Barangay Balibago.
According to the Incident Command Post (ICP) under the Unified Command Management Option, the development was immediately reported to Responsible Official and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II.
At around 10:59 a.m., personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Baguio City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reportedly heard sounds resembling knocking coming from beneath the debris in Sector 1 of the collapse site.
Following the report, a K9 unit from the Philippine Coast Guard was deployed to the area and reportedly indicated the possible presence of an individual within the rubble.
Authorities then requested additional assessment from the City of San Fernando Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, which deployed a Life Locator unit to assist in the ongoing operation.
Rescue teams are currently conducting sweeping operations using rescue radar equipment within a 30-meter radius to verify the findings and support continuing search and retrieval efforts.
Authorities said operations at ground zero remain ongoing as responders continue to exhaust all possible means in the search operation.
𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦.
