Nearby hotel complex beefs up security after attack on Resorts World

MANILA, Philippines — A nearby hotel complex will implement more stringent security measures following an attack on Resorts World Manila as the capital city continues to reel from the early morning incident near its international airport.

In a statement, City of Dreams said that it was implementing “stricter security measures” following the incident in the nearby Resorts World Manila. City of Dreams is located in Manila's entertainment city several kilometers from Resorts World.

City of Dreams was calling on everyone to be vigilant as it reassured guests and other stakeholders that its operations would operate normally.

“For the safety of our guests and colleagues which is our paramount concern at all times, stricter security measures are being implemented around and in our property, and everyone’s vigilance is enjoined. Our operations throughout the resort continue to operate normally,” the City of Dreams said.

Early Friday morning, a lone gunman barged into Resorts World Manila, fired shots in the air and set tables ablaze, prompting guests and players in the casino to scamper for safety and cover.

The latest information from the police shows that 38 people have died from the attack, including the gunman who committed suicide by immolating in one of the hotel rooms. The Philippine National Police said most of the dead died of suffocation from smoke already engulfing the building near Manila’s international airport and an air force base.

Aside from the dead, more than 50 others were hurt as people in the casino tried to find shelter and cover upon hearing gunshots being fired in the air. Some accounts even said that some were injured after jumping from the second floor in an attempt to flee to safety.

Fifteen hours since the incident, the police are yet to identify the name of the suspect although they said they were already investigating a person of interest.

“We still don’t have the name. That doesn’t mean that the suspect is the one in the OR/CR. We are not sure yet if the car really belonged to the suspect,” Tomas Apolinario Jr., the chief of the Southern Police District which has jurisdiction over the location, told reporters.

City of Dreams said that their personnel followed “strict safety guidelines and procedures” as well as practice drills to prepare for any adverse incident in their posh complex.

Aside from Resorts World and City of Dreams, there are two other hotel and casino complexes in the area, Okada and Solaire. The Philippines is one of the fastest growing gaming hubs in Asia, and the government is building an entertainment city in Parañaque City, south of Manila.