(Eagle News) — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has lifted the suspension order meted against the operator of Resorts World Manila, where more than 30 people were killed after a gunman barged in, fired shots and set furniture on fire early June.
Pagcor said in a statement on Thursday that the lifting of the suspension order against Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. was done after TIHGI complied with Pagcor’s “required security and safety improvements.”
Pagcor said these include “but are not limited to” the hiring of a new security agency and experts to assess and improve safety and security systems, the increase in the number of X-ray machines and metal detectors, the doubled up deployment of guards with firearms, the ongoing review and improvement of safety and security protocols for various emergency scenarios, the conduct of additional safety and security seminars for employees, the hiring of professional structural engineers who will assess the building and ensure its structural integrity, and the acquisition of a fire safety inspection certificate.
Pagcor noted that the lifting of the suspension order was also done “in consideration of TIHGI’s 6000 gaming operations workforce, whose livelihoods are now affected.”
“Also, the government loses an average of P14 million per day or P434 million a month as a result of the suspension order,” it added.
Safety procedures, protocols
According to Pagcor, the lifting of the order, however, does not “disregard TIHGI’s officers and personnel and criminal liability, which is to be determined by government investigating bodies.”
It said that with the current development, it enjoins TIHGI and all gaming operators “to continuously improve their safety procedures and protocols to ensure that this tragic incident will not happen again.”
“Pagcor wants to move on as an institution. Hence, it is doing what is best and what is legal for the greater good of everyone,” it said.
On June 2, Jessie Carlos, a former Department of Finance tax specialist, barged inside the Resorts World Manila in Pasay, fired several shots, and set fire on gambling tables and other furniture in the area.
Police said Carlos–a high-roller gambler—had only intended to rob the casino to pay off his debt.
More than 30 people died due to suffocation.
Carlos, who was cornered by police, set himself on fire and shot himself in the head, police said.