PAGCOR suspends Resorts World Manila's license pending probe

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has suspended the provisional license (PL) of Resorts World Manila pending results of the investigation on the June 2 attack.

According to PAGCOR, Resorts World Manila must "cease and desist all gaming operations while investigation on its liability regarding the June 2 incident is on-going."

"The said suspension will remain until RWM rectifies its serious security lapses and deficiencies – which caused not only the loss of lives and damaged properties – but also placed the Philippine gaming, tourism and hospitality industries in bad light," PAGCOR said.

Resorts World Manila was asked to submit its security and safety protocols as part the corrective actions sought by the gaming authority.

Non-compliance with order, issued to Resorts World operator Travellers International Hotel Group, will result in other sanctions warranted under existing laws, PAGCOR said.

Thirty-seven people died of suffocation when a lone gunman, Jessie Carlos, a disgruntled former government employee, stormed Resorts World Manila on the wee hours of Friday last week and set fire to the gaming tables before shooting himself.

Authorities are looking into whether the casino hotel's management committed lapses that allowed the incident to happen. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News