MANILA - The death toll from the massive blaze at a shopping mall in Davao City 2 days before Christmas has risen 38, the local government said Wednesday.

The number went up from the initial death toll of 37 after authorities found the body of NCCC mall employee Melvin Ga-a on Tuesday night, Jeff Tupas of the city Public Information Office said in a text message to ABS-CBN News.

The rest of the fatalities were all workers of US-based call center Survey Systems International, whose office was at the topmost floor of the 4-story mall.

Only 2 bodies have not been properly identified. Forensic experts said they were checking which remains belonged to Mikko Demafeliz or Alexandra Moreno.

The Davao Public Information Office, in a Facebook post, listed the 36 identified fatalities:

1. Sismar, Jeffrey
2. Bongcayao, Mary Louielyn
3. Bangoy, Kurtchin Angela
4. Pabelonia, Joy
5. Garzon, Christen
6. Quimsing, Jim Benedict
7. Basalan, Jonas
8. Samontina, Jessica
9. Quimpo, Venus Joy
10. Limosnero, Jimboy
11. Ferraren, Christine Joy
12. Montanez, Rosyl
13. Artiaga, Missy Rose
14. Muyco, Rhenzi Nova
15. Roble, Ivan Nebelle
16. Yorsua, Elyn Joy
17. Bacaling, Shiela Mae
18. Antipuesto, Roderick
19. Abad, Nancy Loyd
20. Solis, Jessica
21. Liwaya, Charlyn
22. Ga-a, Melvin
23. Generales, Regine
24. Celestial, Gantioco
25. Celades, Apple Jane
26. Adlawan, Ian Kiem
27. Entera, Lister Jade
28. Piñajiro, Analiza
29. Alviola, Christine
30. Constantinopla, Roderick
31. Zacarias, Dresiree Gayle
32. Matundo, Johani
33. Apalacio, Iana
34. Daloro, Maryjoy
35. Balcao, Randy
36. Obo, Janine Joy

Saturday's fire broke out at a furniture store on the third level of the 14-year-old NCCC mall and quickly engulfed the call center on the upper floor, based on an initial report from the city government.

President Rodrigo Duterte had told relatives of victims that the BFP, the National Bureau of Investigation and police would get to the bottom of the disaster.

"The truth will come out," the President said, as he comforted the victims' families earlier this week.

The call center firm said it was helping with funeral arrangements and would set up a fund for contributions to the victims' families.