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By APD writer Melo Acuna
MANILA, June 2 (APD) – Government officials led by the Philippine National Police vowed to investigate the latest violent incident to hit the country’s tourist spot early Friday morning which resulted to the deaths of 37 individuals.
National Capital Region Police Director Oscar Abayalde said 37 remains have been recovered at the Resorts World Casino and Hotel in Pasay City, a short distance from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal III at about noontime today.
Some 54 other persons have been brought to hospital for medical attention after inhaling smoke from the burning tourist facility as well as minimal injuries.
In a press briefing at Malacanang Palace at midday today, Albayalde said they believe the Caucasian-looking man armed with a baby armalite rifle acted alone.
“He’s probably mentally-deranged,” Albayalde said.
Without necessarily dismissing the terrorists’ hand in the incident, he said they found it strange the man fired his weapon at close-circuit television cameras, went after casino chips amounting to some P 113 million and set three casino tables on fire.
Security cameras saw the man sitting on a stairway before setting a luxury vehicle on fire at the second floor of the five-storey structure.
“He could have fired against casino personnel but did not,” Albayalde noted.
The gunfire resulted to stampede among people about to watch movies past midnight and some restaurant customers.
Fire engulfed the second floor which resulted the suffocation of over 30 hotel and casino clients.
The suspect used a can of gasoline to set bedsheets at Room 510 and burned himself to death.
“We have already identified the owner of the vehicle the suspect used,” he said.
He declined to give more details saying they are in the middle of their investigation.
As a result, tight security was declared around Malacanang Palace from early morning Friday.
Access to the public was restricted.
Airports have also tightened their security.
So far, not one government agency has disclosed whether foreign nationals were among the casualties.
Resorts World Hotel and Casino is one of the favorite hangouts of foreign gamers.
In a related development, PAGCOR, the company that accredits and regulates the country’s gaming industry described the Resorts World incident as “unfortunate.”
In a statement, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chair Andrea Domingo said it was “an isolated case of random violence which was caused by a foreign-looking man who appeared deranged.”
Domingo said the suspect had the intent to commit robbery and used fire as diversion and not an act of terrorism and “should never be treated as such.”
She said PAGCOR is coordinating with the Resorts World Management with other licensees and casinos along with other authorities to ensure the safety of all guests and employees.
The latest violent incident involving foreign tourists was in August 23, 2010 when a suspended policeman held Hong Kong tourists aboard a tourist bus. This ended after ten hours with eight Hong Kong nationals’ death along with the perpetrator.
Related:
Resorts World Manila: Gunman sparks panic at Philippines hotel
At least 37 killed in Manila casino stormed by gunman
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
