In line with reports about the attack in Resorts World Manila, the hotel-casino’s security personnel did not have high caliber weapons. Security agencies turned over several high-powered firearms to the PNP as “a pro-active security measure.”
In a press conference, Philippine National Police (PNP) Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino explained that this was “in compliance with the presidential instruction to prohibit the security agencies from using high-powered firearms.”
The PNP has revoked the firms’ permit to carry such firearms.
“They are limited to the use of shotguns and handguns only,” Espino said in a GMA News report. A total of 386 high caliber firearms have been recalled by the PNP-SOSIA as of Thu, June 1.
Espino said that as a response to the memorandum issued by Civil Security Group Chief Director Federico Dulay on May 26, security firms have turned over the firearms as a “pro-active security measure to deny the so-called ‘enemies of the state’ an opportunity to get hold of these firearms through raids [and] agaw-armas, victimizing unsuspecting security guards.”
Prior to the recall, security firms, including NC Lanting Security Specialist Agency, which mans casino-hotel Resorts World Manila, were previously allowed possession of high-powered rifles representing no more than 10 percent of the number of their security personnel.
A gunman carrying what resembled a “baby armalite,” a smaller version of the M-16 assault rifle, attacked Resorts World Manila Fri, June 2, shooting and burning casino properties before setting himself on fire and then shooting himself to death. At least 35 people died from suffocation while 54 more were injured.
