PAGCOR to review Resorts World Manila for security lapses

MANILA, Philippines  — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation on Monday said it will investigate possible security lapses at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City following the casino attack last week.

PAGCOR, which regulates casinos, said it will review if there was leniency, negligence or laxity in security on the part of Resorts World Manila management.

PAGCOR Chairperson Andrea Domingo said that the agency will also determine if Resorts World failed in managing the fire that killed 37 people by smoke inhalation. She added that PAGCOR's legal team and security experts are assessing the contract of the posh entertainment complex regarding its violations.

If found guilty, Resorts World may be reprimanded or may have its license suspended or cancelled. Domingo clarified banning the establishment is not the priority option because only 0.03 percent of the guests were killed in the attack by a former government employee who had a gambling problem and who was in debt.

She said that the sanction will depend on the gravity of the violations that PAGCOR may find.

“I am requiring Resorts World to submit to us all footages to be part of our investigation,” Domingo said.

Early Friday morning, a lone gunman later on identified as 43-year-old Jessie Carlos attacked the casino and set fire to gambling tables. Police said he later set himself on fire, leading to his death. More than 30 were reportedly injured in the incident, which sparked fears of a terrorist attack.

Director Oscar Albayalde , chief of the National Capital Region Police Office chief, said that prior to the attack, Carlos had been banned by PAGCOR from entering casinos. Domingo confirmed this saying the suspect was banned from gambling from March 27, 2017 to March 27, 2018 upon the request of his wife.

Carlos is among 450 players banned from entering casinos. These bans can be requested by the player, their families, or by their dealers.

According to Domingo, PAGCOR campaigns for responsible gaming while dealers are being trained to detect those addicted to gambling.

Domingo expressed PAGCOR's sympathies to the families of the victims.

“We pray that the families may find comfort and strength from knowing that God is in control of everything. May their faith not waiver on this very difficult time and may the love of God overflow and fill up their loss,” PAGCOR said in a statement.

For its part, the Department of Tourism said it will review the accreditation of Resorts World Manila, other hotels and similar facilities following the attack.