Published May 26, 2026 8:55am + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. Search and rescue operations at the collapsed under construction building in Angeles City, Pampanga have officially ended after authorities found no more signs of life beneath the rubble, the local government said Tuesday.Angeles City government’s public information office chief Jose “Jay” Pelayo IV said the Unified Command System announced at 8:27 p.m. Monday the termination of rescue operations after the final assessment.“Itong decision po was made following the final assessment. 'Yun kasing ating mga kasama mula sa Pasig City local government unit, meron silang equipment na tinatawag na life locator,” he told GMA News’ Unang Balita in an interview.(This decision was made following the final assessment. Our colleagues from the Pasig City local government unit have an equipment called a life locator.)“Meron itong radar system, kung saan doon sa kanilang final na testing na ginawa kagabi, consistent na ito na nag-i-indicate na wala nang signs of life doon sa apektadong lugar,” he added.(It has a radar system. In their final testing last night, it consistently indicated that there are no more signs of life in the affected area.)Due to this, the efforts will shift to retrieval and clearing operations.The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the building tilted toward Sectors 3 and 4. Responders were checking possible openings in Sector 1 that could allow access for retrieval teams.Personnel from various responding agencies gathered at the site early Tuesday morning for briefing and coordination activities ahead of the resumption of operations.A press briefing was scheduled at 9 a.m. to explain the transition from search and rescue efforts to retrieval and clearing operations.Four people were confirmed dead, 16 were still reported missing, and 26 were rescued in the incident, according to Pelayo.Missing person surfacesThe number of missing decreased from 17 to 16 after one of the individuals initially listed as missing personally appeared before authorities, the BFP said.The individual personally went to the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and clarified that they were not inside the structure when it collapsed, according to a report of GMA News’ Bam Alegre on Unang Balita on Tuesday.Assistance continues to be extended to survivors and the families of victims with support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Pelayo said.Authorities are also preparing for the handling and identification of bodies expected to be recovered during retrieval operations.ProbeAngeles City Mayor Jon Lazatin has ordered the formation of a composite investigation team composed of structural engineers and concerned agencies to determine the cause of the collapse.The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) are also expected to conduct studies and gather material samples from the rubble as part of the investigation.Pelayo said authorities are still verifying reports and collecting data to determine possible liabilities as city officials have yet to hear from the building owner or contractor.The latest permit on record for the project was reportedly issued in 2023, while the construction began in 2024, according to the city government. —AOL, GMA News