PNP orders relief of Resorts World security guards
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) ordered on Friday the immediate relief of all security guards at Resorts World Manila (RWM) that were on duty at the casino hotel during the attack of a lone gunman last week, which left 38 people dead last June 2.
SOSIA director Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino issued the order after the investigation showed several security lapses were committed which enabled the gunman Jessie Carlos to enter the casino complex last June 2.
Espino said the directive would affect around 68 security guards of NC Lanting Security Specialist Agency assigned at the Maxims Hotel and Newport Mall of RWM in Pasay City.
“It’s very clear there were lapses on the security requirements of the PNP,” he said.
Investigators said there was only one security guard stationed at the place where Carlos entered the casino as shown on closed circuit television camera (CCTV) footages.
“The duty pairing system was not observed since only one lady security guard manned the post where the culprit entered as shown on the CCTV footages from RWM,” the order read.
Espino explained that Carlos’ movements would have been hampered if there were two security guards present.
“He entered through the exit door and there were no physical barriers to slow him down,” he said.
As admitted by the security agency, the female guard posted at the mall entrance and other guards deployed at Resorts World were not trained in mall security that could have prevented the situation from worsening.
“The uniform worn by the lady guard was not prescribed as the office did not issue any authority for the guards of Lanting to wear a special set of uniform, or barong for that matter, hence, it is prohibited from carrying firearm,” the order read.
The investigators of SOSIA pointed out that instead of shooting the gunman, a guard of the security agency gave his issued firearm to an internal security officer of Resorts World who was the one who engaged the suspect in a shootout.
“Lanting has no security plan to ensure compliance with the prescribed security requirements of the PNP, except its deployment plan in the form of its daily shifting detail order.”
Espino said the security agency should comply with their order immediately.
“They could face a fine or cancellation of their license to operate if they refuse to follow,” said Espino.
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