With a more improved safety and security systems, Resorts World Manila (RWM) can now resume its casino operations after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) announced on Thursday the lifting of the suspension order issued earlier this month.
The country’s gaming regulator suspended RWM’s license on June 9, pending an investigation into a fatal June 2 attack by a lone gunman who also killed himself after the rampage.
“After careful scrutiny and deliberations, Pagcor has lifted the suspension order against Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (TIHGI), under the business name RWM to operate gaming activities,” a Pagcor statement said.
Pagcor added the lifting of the suspension order on RWM takes effect on Thursday (June 29), following TIHGI’s compliance with the required security and safety improvements. The security improvements include the hiring of a new security agency and experts to assess and improve safety and security systems; increasing the number of x-ray machines and metal detectors; doubled up deployment of guards with firearms; ongoing review and improvement of safety and security protocols for various emergency scenarios; mandated additional safety and security seminars for employees; hiring of professional structural engineers to assess its casino building to ensure structural integrity; and obtaining the required Fire Safety Inspection Certificate.
The state-run gaming agency also said that aside from RWM’s compliance with security and safety improvements, it lifted the suspension order in consideration of TIHGI’s 6,000 casino work force, whose livelihood has been affected.
Pagcor said the government has been losing an average of P14 million per day, or P434 million a month, as a result of the suspension order. “Pagcor, however, would like to maintain its position that the lifting of the suspension order does not absolve TIHGI’s officers and personnel of any criminal liability, which is to be determined by government investigating bodies,” the statement added.
Earlier this month Jessie Javier Carlos, a lone gunman, stormed the RWM casino in a botched robbery, setting gaming tables alight, which killed scores of people who mostly suffocated in thick smoke.
RWM voluntarily suspended its casino operations, giving Pagcor time to make objective and sound decisions in accordance with the law.
Earlier Pagcor Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo said RWM must allow Pagcor management to inspect the premises and view related videos, otherwise, RWM risks losing its license.