Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) — Three committees of the House of Representatives begin Wednesday an investigation on the deadly attack at Resorts World Manila.
READ: Resorts World Manila: Timeline of a deadly incident
A lone gunman, later identified as Jessie Carlos, managed to enter the luxury hotel and casino in Parañaque City on June 2, setting gaming tables on fire, stealing millions worth of chips, and firing warning shots.
READ: Police identify Resorts World Manila gunman as Jessie Carlos
Thirty-seven people died mainly from suffocation, while Carlos burned himself to death, police said.
House Committee on Games and Amusement Chairman Gus Tambunting said lawmakers want answers on possible security lapses and other issues in the incident.
Tambunting will lead the probe with Rep. Romeo Acop, chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Safety. The House Committee on Tourism will also join the hearing.
RELATED: Police investigate Resorts World Manila management
“Did [the suspect] do it alone? Or was there an inside job? Did he get help from the employees inside for him to be able to enter and for him to be so familiar with the premises?” Tambunting said.
Police said Carlos acted alone, and the Resorts World management presented security camera footage of a lone gunman during the incident.
RELATED: Police identify Resorts World Manila gunman as Jessie Carlos
Officials of Resorts World Manila, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, were invited to attend the hearing.
Tambunting said the probe will be held at the dignitaries lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, as lawmakers are also planning to inspect the nearby Resorts Word Manila.
“For us to see and understand, being the representatives of the people, we have to know the facts. It would be better if we’re there also to see it up close,” Tambunting said.
Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe says he wants to know how prepared the police, security agencies, and public establishments are in case a similar incident happens again.
Batocabe filed a resolution seeking a probe on general security and emergency protocols AT Resorts World Manila.
Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas, who also filed a resolution to investigate the attack, wants to look at the supposedly delayed intervention of the police and the Fire Bureau’s possible failure to properly inspect the establishment.
Vargas hopes this inquiry will improve security protocols on public establishments and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
(Story updated 7:30 a.m. of June 7 to include sentence on the House Committee on Tourism.)
