PNP looks into possible security lapses at Resorts World
Rescue workers wait outside a hotel at the Resorts World Manila complex early Friday, June 2, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. A gunman stormed a mall-casino complex, torched gambling tables and stuffed a backpack with casino chips before fleeing but was found dead of an apparent suicide in an adjacent hotel early Friday, authorities said. AP/Aaron Favila
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will investigate possible security lapses following an attack of a lone gunman in a Pasay City hotel and casino complex early Friday.
National Capital Region Police Director Oscar Albayalde said that an internal security personnel of Resorts World Manila scampered upon seeing the suspect enter the casino carrying a firearm.
"Merong security doon probably internal security lang doon it's because hindi naman talaga siya security guard... When she approached him, the guy, nakita niya yung firearms at doon pa lang na-rattle na siya so tumakbo na siya," Albayalde said in a media briefing.
The public panicked upon seeing the security personnel run, resulting in a stampede causing minor injuries to about 54 persons.
"Because if that panic, mayroong mga nasugatan, mayroong mga napilay, all minor injuries," Albayalde said.
Resorts World Manila COO Stephen Reilly said that security guards did not engage with the suspect to avoid escalating the situation.
Reilly noted that security inside the hotel and casino premises did not carry firearms.
"They did not engage because it was seen that would escalate the situation. Unfortunately, the situation escalated a bit further moving toward gaming areas," Reilly told reporters.
At least 37 people died due to suffocation after the lone gunman set fire inside the hotel. The bodies were found at the gaming area of the casino.
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