MANILA, Philippines – Even as the police is still investigating the Resorts World robbery and fire, the House of Representatives announced it will dip itself into the tragic event by conducting a congressional inquiry.
The House leadership announced that the investigation by the committee on games and amusement and the committee on public order and safety will be held on Wednesday, June 7 at 9 a.m. at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport right across the ill-fated hotel-casino-mall-entertainment complex.
Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe said the inquiry would be held close to the scene of the incident to allow for the physical inspection of the area, if needed.
Batocabe, together with fellow Ako Bicol Reps. Alfredo Garbin and Christopher Co, on Monday filed Hose Resolution No. 1065 “to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation on the incident that happened at the Resorts World Manila last June 2″, which led to a lockdown of the complex the demise of at least 38 people.
“There is a clear lapse of security protocols established by the management of the casino, which allowed the infiltration of the establishment by a lone gunman, and a clear lack of safety protocols, which is exhibited by the lack of an evacuation plan in case of fire and other similar emergencies,” the resolution said.
Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, a member of both committees, said officials of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Resorts World Hotel and Casino, and the Pasay City building permits department, as well as civilian witnesses, will be invited to shed light on the issue.
“Apart from determining lapses in security, the committee will look into the preparedness of the hotel management and staff to deal with an emergency like a fire, as well as the soundness of the fire protection system in the hotel, the exit areas and other aspects of emergency management,” Castelo said.
