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PAGCOR: Resorts World Manila didn't comply with security advisory before attack


The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said Resorts World Manila failed to comply with its advisory to put additional security measures in place prior to a deadly attack that resulted in 37 deaths last week.

PAGCOR Chairman Andrea Domingo said the agency issued a security advisory requiring all licensees and gaming operators to “increase security preparedness in their respective venues and properties to ensure safety of your employees and guests” after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao amid a terrorist siege in Marawi City.

The advisory directed the establishments to “abide by the rules in curfew and other city ordinances that may be issued by the local government and other government agencies” in light of the terror threat.

Domingo noted that Resorts World Manila failed to comply with this upon PAGCOR review.

“We issued this advisory because in the provisional licenses of all our licensees, it is required that they follow such advisory. And from our assessment, there was really a lack of security at the entrance and the parking lot, because there was hardly any presence in that area of adequate and competent and properly equipped security personnel,” Domingo said.

Despite noting the violation, PAGCOR did not suspend the operations of Resorts World Manila, as Domingo said the hotel had “voluntarily” suspended operations following the attack.

Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas asked if PAGCOR has issued a cease and desist order against the establishment. Domingo said Resorts World Manila is “given 60 days to comply.”

Fariñas noted the gravity of the incident, where 37 guests and employees died. Domingo concurred, but said Resorts World Manila should be provided due process. —JST, GMA News

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