MANILA, Philippines – Resorts World Manila announced Thursday, June 29, it was resuming its gaming operations.
In a statement, the hotel-casino said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has lifted the June 9 suspension order on the company's provisional license to operate casinos and gaming facilities.
Pagcor had issued the order following the June 2 attack on Resorts World Manila by lone gunman Jessie Carlos, a former Department of Finance (DOF) employee who was deep in debt due to gambling. The attack left 37 people dead, most of them suffocating due to fires triggered by Carlos, who committed suicide in a hotel room. (READ: Resorts World Manila: Jessie's Got a Gun)
The resumption of the hotel-casino's services follows the company's presentation of its Casino Security Protective Action Plans. Resorts World Manila also passed an inspection from Pagcor, which checked improvements to its various protocols.
"With Pagcor's assistance and guidance, we can now start the difficult task of rebuilding as it is also our responsibility to take care of our 6,000 staff and personnel," said Resorts World Manila president and chief executive officer Kingson Sian.
"We are bringing back the gaming operations on the ground and third floors of our integrated resort. The second floor will no longer be used for casino operations and will be utilized for other non-gaming purposes instead," he also said.
In a hearing at the House of Representatives last June 7, Resorts World Manila chief operating officer Stephen Reilly had admitted that there were "lapses in security" during the deadly attack.
Resorts World Manila then reviewed its external and internal security protocols for the premises, with the help of international security outfit Blackpanda.
Sian added that the hotel-casino will constantly check and upgrade these protocols as new technology and developments require. (READ: Police, casino guard had 'misencounter' during Resorts World attack)
Resorts World Manila also said it will improve its coordination and joint drills with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for various emergency situations. (READ: PNP: Security guards in Resorts World attack lacked training) – Rappler.com