Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) casino is re-open for business after Philippines gaming regulator Pagcor lifted the suspension order against operator Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc (TIHGI) on Thursday. In a statement, Pagcor said that Travellers had successfully implemented a number of security and safety requirements in the wake of the tragic attack at RWM on 2 June that saw 38 people lose their lives. Those requirements included:
– Hiring of a new security agency and experts to assess and improve safety and security systems
– Increasing the number of x-ray machines and metal detectors at RWM’s entrances
– Doubling the deployment of guards with firearms
– The on-going review and improvement of safety and security protocols for various emergency scenarios
– Conducting additional safety and security seminars for employees
– Having professional structural engineers assess the building to ensure structural integrity
– Obtaining a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
Aside from compliance with security and safety improvements, Pagcor said it also lifted the suspension order in consideration of RWM’s 6,000 employees whose livelihoods have been impacted by the license suspension, originally implemented on 9 June. Pagcor chair Andrea Domingo added earlier this week that Pagcor was losing an average of Php14 million per day as a result of the suspension order.
However, Pagcor stated that it “would like to maintain its position that the lifting of suspension order does not disregard TIHGI’s officers and personnel of any criminal liability, which is to be determined by government investigating bodies.
“With the lifting of the suspension order, Pagcor enjoins TIHGI as well as all gaming operators to continuously improve their safety procedures and protocols to ensure that this tragic incident will not happen again,” it said.
“Pagcor wants to move on as an institution. Hence, it is doing what is best and what is legal for the greater good of everyone.”
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