The owner and operator of Resorts World Manila (RWM), Travellers International Hotel Group, says the tragic attack that left 37 people dead last Friday won’t defeat the “spirit” upon which the popular Manila entertainment complex was built.
Authorities yesterday identified 42-year-old Jesse Carlos Javier as the man responsible for the attack, the Philippines local having reportedly split from his wife and lost his job while coping with huge gambling debts.
Javier stormed RWM early Friday, firing shots into the air and setting fire to gaming tables before eventually taking his own life.
“This is a sad day for Resorts World Manila,” said Travellers in a statement. “At approximately 12 midnight on 2 June 2017, a lone gunman barged into Resorts World Manila firing shots and setting gaming tables on fire. The company’s security, together with police authorities, launched a hot pursuit and at around 7am … the gunman was found dead. He had taken his own life by setting himself on fire followed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“It is with deep regret that we have been informed of several casualties … we ask for your understanding during this difficult time. This cowardly act of a deranged mind will not defeat the spirit on which Resorts World Manila was built. With your prayers, we will overcome this tragedy.”
The Philippine gaming regulator, Pagcor, had earlier reiterated police statements that the incident had been committed by a lone man following initial reports that it was a likely terrorist attack.
“The unfortunate incident that happened early Friday is an isolated case of random violence and was caused by a foreign-looking man who appeared to be deranged,” it said.
“Pagcor has been closely coordinating with the management of RWM and other licensees and casinos, as well as authorities to ensure the safety of all guests and employees.
“Pagcor humbly requests for prayers and considerations during these trying times and assures everyone that Pagcor, together with all stakeholders, is placing the utmost importance to this matter.”
It was revealed on Sunday that Javier had been dismissed from his job as a tax specialist with the Department of Finance in 2014 and sued by the department’s Revenue Integrity Protection Service for failing to disclose his assets.
In a statement posted on the DOF website over the weekend, it said, “In a 17-page decision received on 25 April 2014, the Ombudsman dismissed Carlos for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty for not declaring his house and lot in Manila in his 2003 and 2006 SALNs, his Toyota Innova SUV in his 2007 SALN and his business interest in his 2010 SALN.
“Carlos, whose total income from 2001 to 2011 grossed P2.46 million, was found by the Ombudsman to have purchased, in cold cash, two farm lots in Tanauan City, Batangas for P4 million in 2010.”
Javier had reportedly been selling off his assets to keep up with his debts ahead of Friday’s attack.
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