Parents of Resorts World attacker seek forgiveness of victims’ kin

The parents of Jessie Carlos, identified as the attacker at the Resorts World Manila, on Sunday sought for the forgiveness of the grieving families of the 37 killed in last Friday's tragedy that also left the gunman dead. 

"Sa mga nadamay ng anak ko, humihingi po kami ng tawad sa inyo. Hindi po namin matanggap na naging ganon ang anak ko. Napakabait po ng anak ko na 'yan," an emotional Teodora Carlos said at a press briefing on Sunday.

For his part, Jessie's father Fernando Carlos said: "Nakikiramay na lang po kami, humihingi na lang po kami ng patawad sa nagawa ng anak ko. Hindi naman po namin gusto yung nangyari. Humihingi na lang po kami ng patawad dun sa mga namatayan po. Patawad na lang po."

National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde revealed on Sunday that the 43-year-old Carlos was a former employee of the Department of Finance and was sacked due to issues on his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). 

Albyalde said that Carlos also has incurred an estimated P4 million debt in a bank and has been barred by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation from all casinos as requested by his family.

Meanwhile, Jessie's parents said that their son had no other vices aside from his addiction to casino gambling.

"Wala ho siyang bisyo. tahimik po siyang tao," Fernando said.

Teodora, meanwhile, said they were also "victimized" by Jessie as his addiction had led to misunderstanding with his wife.

"Biktima rin po kami. Mabait po ang anak ko... hindi po namin matanggap na nagkaganoon siya kaya humihingi rin po kami sa mga nadisgrasya ng anak ko," Teodora said.

"Mula lang nung nag-casino siya hindi na po niya kami pinupuntahan niya puro casino na lang ang ginagawa niya. Tinitiis po namin 'yun na hindi kami puntahan ng anak ko pero pagtawag po niya sa amin nandyan po kaagad kami sa kanila," she added.

Teodora admitted her son committed mistakes, saying his addiction also affected his relationship with his wife.

Lesson to casino gamblers

On the other hand, Teodora said she hopes the death of her son would serve as a lesson to all families who have members addicted to casinos.

"Ang mensahe po ng [pagkamatay ng] anak ko pinakikita sa tao na 'wag pong malulon sa bisyo para ng sa ganoon di masira ang kanilang pamilya. Totoo po 'yan, nasira na ang kanyang pamilya dahil sa kanyang casino na kinalolokohan," Teodora said.

She urged families to immediately stop them until it's not too late. "Kung maari po sana awatin po ninyo ang anak ninyo. Kami po namimighati na, hindi na po namin matanggap na ang anak po namin nalulong ng husto hanggang sa umabot sa ganitong pangyayari." —Joseph Tristan Roxas/LBG, GMA News