Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 25) — Authorities on Monday said they have recovered 36 more bodies from the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) in Davao City, which was hit by a fire Saturday.
This now puts the total number of casualties to 37, after Mayor Sara Duterte revealed on Sunday one body was recovered and has yet to be identified.
Duterte also said the bodies of the 36 call center agents are being processed for proper identification.
Bureau of Fire Protection Southern Mindanao Director SSupt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu revealed the bodies were found in the lobby, just a few meters from the stairwell and the elevator.
He added the recovered bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Davao City Fire Marshall Honeyfritz Alagano earlier said the fire started at the furniture area of the mall at the third floor.
She added fire exits could be opened and used by employees, except the one near a call center on the fourth floor.
Smoke was coming through, Alagano said. So instead of leaving the premises via the fire exit, the employees chose to go back to their office.
President Rodrigo Duterte also visited relatives of the victims, and checked on the situation at the mall as authorities give him updates.
