Resorts World Manila says ready to reopen: Pagcor boss

Jun 22, 2017 Newsdesk Latest News, Philippines, Top of the deck  

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The head of the Philippine casino regulator said on Wednesday that the operator of the Resorts World Manila resort has informed the country’s authorities it is ready to resume casino operations.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) on June 9 ordered the property to halt its gaming operations pending investigation of an attack on the property on June 2 by a lone gunman that led to the fire-related deaths of 37 people.

Speaking at a congressional inquiry on the incident, Pagcor chairperson Andrea Domingo said the Resorts World Manila president had asked the regulator to lift the casino operation suspension. But Ms Domingo stated that – before doing so – Pagcor would first establish a checklist to ensure “a secure and safe environment” inside the property. The operator would be required to adhere to it, according to media reports.

Ms Domingo also said Resorts World Manila planned to discontinue gaming operations on the second floor, where the incident occurred.

Resorts World Manila casino resort is operated by Travellers International Hotel Group Inc, a venture between Philippine-based Alliance Global Group Inc and Genting Hong Kong Ltd.

David Chua Ming Huat, chairman of Travellers International, also spoke at Wednesday’s congressional inquiry regarding the June 2 attack.

“This [incident] is a tragic wake-up call not just for us. We hope that through the assistance of Congress and other government agencies, we can start the painful and difficult task of rebuilding as it is also our task to take care of our 6,000 personnel,” Mr Chua said, as quoted by the Manila Times newspaper.

Meanwhile, Genting Hong Kong also commented on the case in a Wednesday filing. “The board is closely monitoring the aftermath and investigations of the [Resorts World Manila] incident and will continue to assess its impact on the company and its business,” it said.

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