Resorts World exec: Fear of gunfire kept victims in areas where they suffocated

Fear of the lone gunman had kept the guests and employees of Resorts World Manila in the rooms where they hid and eventually died of suffocation, an executive of the hotel said Wednesday.

Resorts World Manila president Kingson Sian noted this when he was asked about their fire safety measures during a House joint inquiry on the incident.

"As we presented earlier, there were 12,100 guests and employees who were able to evacuate. It's very unfortunate (that we have these deaths). What complicated the matter was not the fire, but the gunfire," Sian told lawmakers.

"Usually, ang normal reaction tatakbo ka away from the sunog. Hindi sila lumabas because of fear, dahil may bala, may baril," he added.

An earlier inspection conducted by the police showed that there was a fire exit at the casino area, where bodies of some of the 37 victims were found.

Chief Supt. Tomas Apolinario, Southern Police District director, said the bodies were found at the casino area's VIP room, high hollers' slot machine section, and the comfort room at the second floor.

A door leading to the fire exit was found at the VIP room, he said.

At Wednesday's hearing, Resorts World Manila COO Stephen Reilly reported that there are 13 fire exits at the second floor, nine of which are in the gaming area.

Later in the proceedings, Sian answered in the affirmative when quizzed about measures in place against fires, including having a "well-maintained" sprinkler system, fire detection and alarm system, and an organized fire command center.

He was then asked why there were still dozens of deaths despite these measures.

Sian, in turn, also noted that while the fire on casino tables were put out by the sprinklers, an explosion of a parked BMW at the second floor contributed to the smoke in the area.

"Apparently, parang sumabog 'yung tangke, which we confirmed has around 10 liters of fuel. Sumabog siya and there are pictures that show na 'yung gulong niya natunaw. Remember, 'yung gulong has a lot of toxic fumes," he said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection also told House members that the burning chairs, which had foam, contributed much smoke as well. — RSJ, GMA News