MANILA, Philippines - Resorts World Manila has been hit by a tragedy in the early hours of Friday when an unknown attacker opened fire on the gambling area of the popular hotel and casino destination in Pasay City.
The lone gunman, who has yet to be identified, reportedly wreaked havoc in the area with the use of his own assault rifle and pouring gasoline to the carpet before setting it on fire by a long torch.
Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters in an emergency press briefing that the police believes that the suspect was a foreigner based from his appearance in the CCTV footages in the hotel that caught him. However, there has been no confirmation yet from concerned officials following up with Albayalde’s previous comments. The yet-to-be-named perpetrator, however, was supposedly found in a room, burned beyond recognition, next to a machine gun and a .380 calibre pistol. He is believed to have committed suicide.
At this point, it is still not clear what the attacker’s motives are. The police said that it is unlikely that it is an act of terrorism and more of a mental breakdown on the part of the criminal. With the chaos that is ensued in Marawi and the heightened talks about the possibility of ISIS already breeding in Philippine soil, Filipinos are understandably concerned and worried.
By the time of writing, 35 people have been confirmed to be killed in the tragic incident - most of them already starting to get transported to funeral parlors around the area.
Stephen Reilly, chief operating officer of the casino said of the 35 fatalities, 13 were employees of Resorts World Manila while 22 others were guests.
The casualties are as follows:
EMPLOYEES
1. Hazel Yangco
2. Jellah Ramos
3. Melvin Herrera
4. Arvi Gavino
5. BJ Pagsibigan
6. Rojie S Uy
7. Jessica Alindogan
8. Merylle Gwen Ala
9. Lea Grace Mozo
10. Loudette Santos
11. Kay Nuguerra
12-13: 2 are still being identified
GUESTS
1. Caccam Katherine Cervantes
2. P Ling Hung Lee
3. Pacita Guillermo Comquilla
4. Pomenciano Vargas Jr
5. Susan Abulencia
6. Lai Wei Chung
7. Jaime Gaboy Jr
8. Ariel Abrogar
9. Lai Yu Cheeh
10. Cliff Reyneira
11. Rolando Pena Sison
12. Eluterio Reyes
13. Antonina Yuzon Allanigue
14. Sheila Malicse
15. Carmelita Taylo Delacruz
16. Mielle Oliveros
17. Pamela Silvestre
18. Elizabeth Gonzales
19-22: 4 are still being identified
Meanwhile, those who have been hurt have been sent to nearby hospitals to seek medical attention.
For their part, Resorts World Manila has already released a brief statement regarding the matter - extending their condolences to the affected families and saying that they will be providing whatever support they can. The presser was posted on the company’s official Facebook and an excerpt of it reads:
“It is with deep sadness that in addition to the 54 injured, there are 35 reported casualties from this tragic incident. We cannot release information on the identities of the victims at this time as we are awaiting SOCO's final confirmation.
Again, we appeal for your understanding and consideration. The company mourns with the families. We are committed to extending full support and assistance to the injured and the families of the deceased. This unexpected violent attack on innocent lives will not break the spirit on which Resorts World Manila was built. We ask for your prayers during these dark hours.”
Furthermore, the management also set up a help desk for those who need assistance in connection with the incident. The support center is located at Career Hub 1 at the ground floor of the NECC building. Queries and concerns can also be addressed through special hotline numbers:
09178728300;
09178728756;
09178788721;
09178788108;
09178728583;
09178788576;
09178728518;
09178728187;
09178728192;
09178728772.
This story is still developing.
--Ana, The Summit Express
The lone gunman, who has yet to be identified, reportedly wreaked havoc in the area with the use of his own assault rifle and pouring gasoline to the carpet before setting it on fire by a long torch.
Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters in an emergency press briefing that the police believes that the suspect was a foreigner based from his appearance in the CCTV footages in the hotel that caught him. However, there has been no confirmation yet from concerned officials following up with Albayalde’s previous comments. The yet-to-be-named perpetrator, however, was supposedly found in a room, burned beyond recognition, next to a machine gun and a .380 calibre pistol. He is believed to have committed suicide.
At this point, it is still not clear what the attacker’s motives are. The police said that it is unlikely that it is an act of terrorism and more of a mental breakdown on the part of the criminal. With the chaos that is ensued in Marawi and the heightened talks about the possibility of ISIS already breeding in Philippine soil, Filipinos are understandably concerned and worried.
By the time of writing, 35 people have been confirmed to be killed in the tragic incident - most of them already starting to get transported to funeral parlors around the area.
Stephen Reilly, chief operating officer of the casino said of the 35 fatalities, 13 were employees of Resorts World Manila while 22 others were guests.
The casualties are as follows:
EMPLOYEES
1. Hazel Yangco
2. Jellah Ramos
3. Melvin Herrera
4. Arvi Gavino
5. BJ Pagsibigan
6. Rojie S Uy
7. Jessica Alindogan
8. Merylle Gwen Ala
9. Lea Grace Mozo
10. Loudette Santos
11. Kay Nuguerra
12-13: 2 are still being identified
GUESTS
1. Caccam Katherine Cervantes
2. P Ling Hung Lee
3. Pacita Guillermo Comquilla
4. Pomenciano Vargas Jr
5. Susan Abulencia
6. Lai Wei Chung
7. Jaime Gaboy Jr
8. Ariel Abrogar
9. Lai Yu Cheeh
10. Cliff Reyneira
11. Rolando Pena Sison
12. Eluterio Reyes
13. Antonina Yuzon Allanigue
14. Sheila Malicse
15. Carmelita Taylo Delacruz
16. Mielle Oliveros
17. Pamela Silvestre
18. Elizabeth Gonzales
19-22: 4 are still being identified
Meanwhile, those who have been hurt have been sent to nearby hospitals to seek medical attention.
For their part, Resorts World Manila has already released a brief statement regarding the matter - extending their condolences to the affected families and saying that they will be providing whatever support they can. The presser was posted on the company’s official Facebook and an excerpt of it reads:
“It is with deep sadness that in addition to the 54 injured, there are 35 reported casualties from this tragic incident. We cannot release information on the identities of the victims at this time as we are awaiting SOCO's final confirmation.
Again, we appeal for your understanding and consideration. The company mourns with the families. We are committed to extending full support and assistance to the injured and the families of the deceased. This unexpected violent attack on innocent lives will not break the spirit on which Resorts World Manila was built. We ask for your prayers during these dark hours.”
Furthermore, the management also set up a help desk for those who need assistance in connection with the incident. The support center is located at Career Hub 1 at the ground floor of the NECC building. Queries and concerns can also be addressed through special hotline numbers:
09178728300;
09178728756;
09178788721;
09178788108;
09178728583;
09178788576;
09178728518;
09178728187;
09178728192;
09178728772.
This story is still developing.
--Ana, The Summit Express
