ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The death toll from the collapsed structure in Barangay Balibago rose to 13 on Monday, less than nine hours after rescuers recovered the 12th victim, as search and retrieval operations entered their ninth day.

Fire Supt. Maria Leah Sejili, spokesperson for the Bureau of Fire Protection-Central Luzon, said the 13th victim was recovered at 12:59 p.m.

"These are difficult realities we face every day here. Malungkot man ang mga pangyayaring ito, kailangan naming ituloy ang trabaho — kailangan nating makuha ang lahat nang maayos at tama," Sejili said.

She said each recovery operation requires careful assessment and deliberate movements due to unstable debris and the risk posed by damaged structural materials.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, who heads the Unified Command, said responders remain committed to clearing debris and opening access routes as round-the-clock search, rescue and retrieval operations continue.

Meanwhile, the city government thanked the Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. and Valentinos Hotel Premiere for donating food and drinking water to personnel working at the site.

Authorities said the donations have helped sustain the strength and morale of responders involved in the prolonged operation.