The search and rescue operations at the collapsed Chuzon Supermarket in Porac, Pampanga ended yesterday morning after authorities declared there were no more signs of life in the building, the Philippine National Police confirmed.
Police Col. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said authorities were already at the stage of clearing the debris at the collapsed supermarket to make sure that no more bodies will be recovered at the site.
“Yes, confirmed that search and rescue operations have ended. Office of Civil Defense Central Luzon Regional Director Marlou Salazar made the announcement after a 7 a.m. mass there. Clearing of debris na po sila ngayon,” Banac said.
Police Col. Jean Fajardo said they are now focusing on validating the reports on five missing persons.
“Wala na pong nakita doon na either buhay o patay. Sa missing, hindi naman talaga doon nawala. May nagreport lang sa local government na may nawawala so hindi po nakuha ang pangalan kung sino ang mga nagreport,” Fajardo said.
The four-story supermarket collapsed after a magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck Luzon and Metro Manila Monday with its epicenter located in Castillejos, Zambales.
The most devastated area was Pampanga, which, according to experts, was founded on soft soil due to lahar deposits. (Martin Sadongdong)