Gonzales breaks long silence after wife's death

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Third District Representative Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. broke his long silence on Friday, June 23, after the death of his wife in the Resorts World Manila attack.

Gonzales kept mum for almost three weeks after the tragedy to allow family and himself time to grieve. His wife Elizabeth, 57, was among the fatalities in the attack at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City on June 2.

At least 37 people died and dozens were injured after a gunman stormed the casino and torched gambling tables in the crowded area.

In a statement sent to SunStar Pampanga, Gonzales said: "Most of you are aware that my wife was one of the casualties of that tragic incident. Grief, sadness and anger continue to torment me. The pain of loss is unexplainable. It is a torture every time I remember that tragic night."

"We are also aware that a lone gunman stormed the casino, set fire to the tables and burned himself to death. But the incident also raised questions on why it left at least 37 people dead and several people injured. This was precisely the reason why three panels of the House of Representatives, namely: the Committees on Public Order and Safety, Tourism and the Games and Amusements started their investigations into the attack on Resorts World Manila."

"As one of the members of the 17th Congress and a deputy majority leader, I am an ex-officio member of all committees, including the above-mentioned three panels, and can actively participate on the probe," Gonzales said. "Much as I want to participate in the hearings, I have decided, after consulting with my children, to voluntarily inhibit myself from the committee probes and trust the same to the right people."

Gonzales said he has faith and confidence on House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Farinas, Chairman Romeo Acop, Chairman Gus Tambunting, Chairman Lucy Gomez and rest of the members of the aforementioned committees.

"I am also extending my heartfelt condolence and sympathy to the families who have lost their loved ones during the tragedy. I continue to pray for the full recovery of those who were injured and for the healing of bereaved families. It is for this reason that I am one with you all in wanting these hearings to be fruitful so that this kind of incident will no longer be repeated," Gonzales added.

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