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WITH 'PERIOD OF MOURNING,' ONGOING PROBE

No date yet for Resorts World Manila reopening, says exec


The management of Resorts World Manila has not set a date for the resumption of its operations, after the attack launched by a lone gunman last week that resulted to the death of 37 people.

The hotel's president, Kingson Siam, revealed this during the first hearing for the joint inquiry of three House committees on the incident.

"We made an announcement that we are temporarily suspending operations for a period of mourning. We have not determined yet when we will open," Siam told lawmakers on Wednesday.

"Obviously there is an ongoing investigation, so we will cooperate with the various regulators and various government agencies," he added.

Siam said their employees will continue to receive their salary during this period.

The Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., which operates the establishment, suspended gaming and some hotel operations earlier this week.

The company said they wish to focus on helping the victims of the attack, and are "voluntarily" suspending the operations "in affected facilities until all investigations are concluded" by authorities, notably the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection, and after there is an assurance that appropriate safety measures in place.

The attack happened last Friday when a dismissed Department of Finance employee Jessie Carlos entered the establishment during the wee hours, firing a high-caliber gun and torching gaming tables.

Some 37 guests and employees were trapped inside the establishment and most of them died of suffocation after hiding in some areas of the second floor where the casino is located.

Carlos, who was reportedly addicted to gambling and "heavily indebted," eventually killed himself.

Police officials have ruled out the possibility that Carlos' attack was an "act of terror." — BAP, GMA News

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