More than three dozen fatalities
The management team at Resorts World Manila faces criminal charges in the June 2 attack in which dozens of patrons and staff members died. According to the Manila Times, charges may also be filed against the security provider at the property.
Officials of Resorts World Manila conceded lapses in security when a lone gunman stormed the facility, inciting a panic that eventually caused the deaths of 37 people and injured dozens of others. At a government hearing, Resorts World Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly admitted that videos of the June 2 attack showed security was lax in certain areas when the gunman burst in.
“When we played the first videos, I pointed out there should have been security personnel posted on certain points and they were not present. We admit openly there were some lapses in security,” he said.
But Resorts World President Kingson Sian pointed out that thousands of guests were safely evacuated during the attack, which was first reported as a terrorist attack.
According to reports, the assailant, Jesse Javier Carlos was a former tax official and compulsive gambler who had been banned from all casinos by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. at the request of his family. Carlos reportedly stole boxes of casino chips before setting the fires. Those who died—including 13 casino employees—were hiding out in restrooms and a gaming area when Carlos set casino tables and carpets on fire. They died of smoke inhalation. The second floor of Resorts World Manila’s gaming area was badly damaged by the fires. Carlos later died in a hotel room of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“The Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies will finalize and submit their findings, which means they are ready to file charges of negligence resulting in multiple homicides,” Metro Manila Police Director Oscar Albayalde told the Times.
The publication also reported that Resorts World Manila has given PHP1 million (US$19,803) to each of the families of the victims, and paid hospital fees and other treatment costs of the injured. The company said further settlements “are under study.” The company may also be hit with a class action suit, said Persida Acosta, head of the country’s public attorney’s office, in a radio interview.
