WHEN 37 people die of suffocation from smoke from the fire set up on casino tables by a lone gunman who shot only CCTVs and not people, there is more than just "a possible negligence by Resorts World not only in casino security but also in building design and safety protocols" as pointed out by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III.
Where was the evacuation plan, and why were the people trapped? It's not as if they were surrounded by armed men who forced them to stay inside.
True, there was panic, there was a stampede. But panic and stampede are all part of similar situations, they are expected.
With the growing number of lone wolves preying on big crowds, the run, hide, and fight scenario have been most recommended if ever a gunman enters your building and opens fire. The “Run, Hide, Fight” program was created by the US Department of Homeland Security in response to the growing number of mass shooting incidents in the US.
In this case, it wasn't even a mass shooting incident as no one was shot by the gunman. Although yes, he was armed and dangerous. Meaning, the first reaction, "Run", was very much applicable. But, apparently, it wasn't and so 37 died from smoke inhalation in a structure designed to hold hundreds.
We cannot help but ask, what indeed happened?
This is something the Resorts World management has to be held accountable for and the findings should not be something that will be swept under the rug as this is a lesson we all should learn from, a tragedy that should never be allowed to happen again.
In another concern, now that we know the suspect: 42-year-old Jessie Javier Carlos who has since been described as a former employee of the Department of Finance's one-stop shop who was dismissed from service for misdeclaration and non-disclosure in his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), is estranged from his wife and is deep in debt aside from being hooked to gambling in casinos, comes the need to emphasize on the effects of media reportage to the public.
No, fellow journalists, you are not just reporting for the sake of earning a name for being able to get all the details, you are reporting to inform a public and protect them. Fanning the flames about terrorism, terror acts, and armed rage brings nothing but despair on the victims. Be circumspect. With great power comes great responsibility, carry the responsibility of journalism with extreme care lest others will take care of this for you.
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.