(CNN Philippines, June 6) — Resorts World Manila’s security provider failed to comply with mall security protocols, according to the Philippine National Police.
In a press briefing to security supervisors of establishments Tuesday, the PNP’s Supervisory Office for Security and Intelligence Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) said NC Lanting Security Specialist Agency either had no emergency plan for the shooting incident — or failed to execute it.
PNP-SOSIA called out NC Lanting after finding out the casino mall had no quick response team to emergency incidents.
They also noted that guard stationed at the entrance was not in uniform, and that the security personnel appeared to not have enough training.
The police also pointed out only one guard was manning the entrance when the attack happened, when there should have been at least two.
According to PNP-SOSIA Chief Jose Mario Espino, NC Lanting may face administrative sanctions.
“That is what is stated sa rules natin; that a grave offense, penalties, fines, then ang pinaka-result nito is cancellation ng kanilang license to operate,” Espino said.
[Translation: That is what is stated in our rules; that a grave offense, penalties, fines, then the result would be the cancellation of their license to operate.]
Moving forward, PNP-SOSIA said it would require establishments to submit security plans for review.
It will also conduct regular drills and rehearsals for emergencies — such as robberies, gun attacks, and calamities — to be done at least every quarter.
Malls are also required to maintain the same number of security personnel during the graveyard shift, from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m.
At tomorrow’s House hearing, PNP-SOSIA will ask for a “Security Code of the Philippines” to broaden its powers in regulating security providers.
PAGCOR probe under way
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) also probed into the incident at Resorts World Manila Tuesday morning.
PAGCOR is studying if it would revoke the casino’s franchise, if it violated security provisions and fire code protocols.
Footage from the Friday incident showed gunman Jessie Carlos enter the main doors of Resorts World Manila without apprehension. He also set some of the gambling tables on fire before he went into a room and lit himself up in flames.
Resorts World Management, however, insisted their sprinklers were activated as soon as the smoke was detected, but these could only function for a while and might eventually run out of water.
Resorts World Manila Senior Vice President Gina Alvarez added they had certificates of compliance in all the safety and fire requirements under the law.
CNN Philippines’ JC Gotinga and Rex Remitio contributed to this report.
