MANILA, Philippines – DNA testing confirmed that the charred corpse inside room 510 of Maxim’s Hotel was that of Jessie Carlos, who authorities identified as the gunman who went on a rampage at the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex that killed 38 persons, including Carlos, the Philippine National Police said Wednesday.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Oscar Albayalde said a special team is conducting an investigation “to look deeper” into the incident, including the possibility it could be linked to any terrorist groups, although authorities had earlier ruled out this angle. and find out if this was linked to terrorist attack.
“We have not unearthed anything yet that (Carlos) is involved in any terrorist group and any terrorist attack,” Albayalde said at the House of Representatives hearing on the incident.
Carlos, a former Finance department employee who authorities said was addicted to gambling, entered the Resorts World complex with an assault rifle, which he fired in the air, sending people into a panic, as he set fire to gaming tables and slot machines.
Wounded in a shootout with hotel security, he made his way to the fifth floor hotel room where police said he killed himself.