THE governor of Negros Occidental on Friday, June 2, said he doesn’t believe the administration would use the Resorts World Manila attack as a basis to put the entire country under military rule.
President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier said he would expand martial law beyond Mindanao if the terror threat reached Visayas and Luzon.
“Hopefully, there will be no more of the same incident. After a month long period of lull, that incident would be forgotten," Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said.
The governor also said he believes the lone attacker at Resorts World Manila early Friday could be a “high roller” who lost a lot in gambling and may be frustrated enough to attack the place and rob casino chips.
“It doesn’t look like he has connections with Isis (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) or is connected with terrorists,” Marañon said.
Moreover, the governor ordered vigilance of the police in the province after the incident in the country’s capital.
“I suggest that they should train more K9 units for operations against illegal drugs, firearms and explosives. Dogs are good deterrent and effective against crimes because they would immediately react when they see something,” he added.
Intensify security operations
Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky, acting director of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), directed his men to intensify their visibility patrol following the attack in Manila.
Wanky said he ordered the station commanders to secure business establishments and government offices especially areas where big number of people converged.
“We do not want to sound reactive, but this is part of our safety measures,” he added.
Moreover, Wanky said they do not have control over social media, but people should be responsible and sensitive with what they post because it can worsen the situation.
It can also trigger panic and cause fear to others, he added.
They become alarmists in the guise of showing concern to the public and they’re causing terror, Wanky also said.
At least 37 people were confirmed dead and dozens were injured after a gunman stormed Resorts World Manila and torched gambling tables in the crowded area before dawn Friday.
National Capital Region Police Office Chief Oscar Albayalde said the gunman, who remains unidentified, was among the fatalities.