The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) revealed that it has lifted the order for suspension on the gaming operating license of Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., which runs Resorts World Manila (RWM).
The lifting of the suspension happened with immediate effect, after the operator complied with the safety and security issues.
At the beginning of June, the gaming regulatory watchdog imposed a suspension on the provisional license of Resorts World Manila. The company’s license to operate a casino was banned by the regulator only a week after a shooting and arson incident happened, resulting in the death of 38 people, including the criminal himself.
As shared by the gaming regulatory authority, the operating license suspension was lifted after the Resorts World Manila presented its Casino Security Protective Action Plans. A thorough inspection has been carried out by PAGCOR on the new emergency, safety and security protocols as well as on the enhancements that the operator has implemented.
As PAGCOR reported, the Resorts World Manila had carried a number of measures in order to guarantee better security to its visitors.
First and foremost, a new security agency was hired, and the safety and security systems were improved. The operator also increased the number of special metal detectors and x-ray machines, while the number of guards with firearms was doubled. There has also been a review and improvement of safety and security protocols of the resort, while special trainings and seminars for employees were held.
In addition, earlier in June 2017 the Resorts World Manila’s operator engaged the services of Blackpanda, and international security outfit in order to tighten both the internal and external security protocols and provide better security measures for its visitors and employees.
The company that currently operates Resorts World Manila – Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. – also announced that the gaming operations which have been resumed in the casino resort’s gamibling areas are not affected by the incident which happened on June 2nd. The company’s Chief Executive Officer Kingson Sian confirmed that PAGCOR had helped the operator with guidance and assistance in order for the company to be able to take care of its staff and personnel which currently amounts to about 6,000 people.
The operator’ CEO further explained that the gaming operations are to be brought back on the ground and third floors of the integrated resort. On the other hand, the second floor which was left badly burned after the incident would not be used for casino operations any more. Instead, it would be used for other non-gaming purposes.
Resort World Manila also revealed it would remain committed to further intensify its coordination and join various drill sessions for multiple emergency situation. The gaming operator welcomed the lifting of the suspension and said it would do everything in order to put in place the best safety and security measures available.
- Author
Daniel Williams
