Palace: Resorts World may be liable for negligence

MALACAÑANG said Saturday there could be negligence on the part of Resorts World Manila, which was attacked by a lone gunman early Friday, resulting to the death of 38 people, including the suspect.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan the Palace shares the concern of Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III of "a possible negligence by Resorts World not only in casino security but also in building design and safety protocols."

He said the gaming regulator, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), will do a full audit of all casinos.

Pimentel has wondered what happened to the Resorts World security arrangement.

He accused of the possible security lapses on the part of the management after the lone armed suspect managed to set the casino tables on fire and steal the gambling chips worth P113 million.

Most of the victims died due to suffocation.

Abella reiterated that the tragic incident was not a terrorist attack.

"Again, we express our sympathies to the victims’ families while assuring the public that despite this tragedy, the Philippines welcomes and protects all friends visiting for business and pleasure," he said.

Duterte is set to visit the wake of some of the victims in the Resorts World incident Saturday night in a funeral homes in Pasay City. (SDR/SunStar Philippines)