Pagcor lifts suspension order vs Resorts World Manila
Police patrol outside a hotel at the Resorts World Manila complex, early Friday, June 2, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. Gunshots and explosions rang out early Friday at a mall, casino and hotel complex near Manila’s international airport in the Philippine capital. AP / FILE PHOTO
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) on Thursday lifted the suspension order against Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. (TIHGI) or Resorts World Manila following its compliance with the requirement imposed by the gaming industry regulator on security and safety improvements.
READ: Pagcor suspends Resorts World Manila license
In a statement, Pagcor said aside from compliance with security and safety improvements, in lifting the suspension order, it also took into consideration the hotel’s 6,000 employees.
Pagcor added that the government also suffered losses due to the suspension of gaming operations that affect the workforce, whose livelihood are now affected. Also, the government loses an average of P14 million per day or P434 million a month as a result of the suspension order.
The lifting of suspension takes effect Thursday, June 29, 2017, said Pagcor after it has complied with the security and safety requirements which include:
- Hired a new security agency and experts to assess and improve safety and security systems;
- Increased number of x-ray machines and metal detectors;
- Doubled up deployment of guards with firearms;
- On-going review and improvement of safety and security protocols for various emergency scenarios;
- Conducted additional safety and security seminars for employees;
- Had professional structural engineers assess building to ensure structural integrity;
- Obtained Fire Safety Inspection Certificate from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
Early this month, Pagcor suspended the operation of Resorts World Manila pending the result of an investigation into the June 2 incident where a lone gunman stormed into the casino hotel and set ablaze gaming tables and slot machines, resulting in the death of 38 individuals.
Pagcor, however, clarified that the lifting of suspension order does not disregard possible filing of a criminal case against Resort’s Worlds officers and personnel which is to be determined by the government investigating bodies. JPV
