Companies up security game after casino attack

Gaming firms, establishments in the metropolis have beefed up security measures following the rampage by a lone gunman at integrated gaming resort Resorts World Manila early June.

“Following the incident at Resorts World Manila, we are on heightened alert. [We have] augmented security personnel further and received additional support from local law enforcement,” Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corp. said.

The local unit of Macau casino giant Melco is the operator of City of Dreams Manila in Pagcor Entertainment City.

“For the safety of our guests and colleagues which is our paramount concern at all times, strict security measures are implemented around and in our property. We have security presence at every entrance that is also supplemented with metal detectors, X-ray machines and canine support,” Melco said.

The firm said it was conducting pat downs, bag checks and car inspections. It said there were also armed guards at the perimeter of the property, inside the garage, and near or inside entryways.

“With our collective efforts, we hope we can all get back to making the Philippines one that its citizens can be proud of and a destination that tourists are fond of,” it added.

Deluxe hotels in the metropolis have likewise tightened security. Makati Shangri-La has installed a new X-ray machine at the lobby. Guards were also spending more time than usual screening cars coming in.

Annie Garcia, SM Supermalls president, said SM continued to “maintain high alert status” in all its malls.

“We have posted additional security personnel with firearms in strategic areas of the malls,” she said. She added SM had augmented covert guards and CCTV monitoring operations.

Bloomberry Resorts Corp. said security operations at Solaire Resort and Casino have been heightened immediately after the Davao bombing incident in September last year. Solaire employs a security force of 400 personnel assigned inside casinos and along the perimeter. It also has K-9 units, surveillance systems and control rooms.