Resorts World Manila attack

Last updated

Resorts World Manila attack
Resorts World Manila.JPG
Resorts World Manila, November 2012
Location Resorts World Manila complex, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
Coordinates 14°31′08″N121°01′12″E / 14.51881°N 121.01994°E / 14.51881; 121.01994
DateJune 2, 2017
 12:03 am – 1:46 am (PhST GMT+8)
Target Resorts World Manila
Attack type
Armed robbery and arson
WeaponsPaco: 9mm Tanfoglio semi-automatic pistol

Pasay:

Deaths40 (38 at Resorts World Manila including the perpetrator, and 2 at Paco)
Injured70 [1]
PerpetratorJessie Javier Carlos [2]
Motive Problem gambling and debt

The Resorts World Manila attack was an attack that took place at the Resorts World Manila (now Newport World Resorts) entertainment complex in Newport City, Pasay, Philippines. 38 were killed and 70 were injured when a gunman caused a stampede after he set fire to casino tables and slot machine chairs around midnight on June 2, 2017. [3] [4] The gunman moved to a storage area to steal casino chips from the venue but later committed suicide following a confrontation with the responding police. [5] Nearly all of the attack's deaths and injuries resulted from the initial stampede and smoke inhalation from the fire.

Contents

While initial suspicions strongly pointed towards a terrorist attack, with affiliates of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claiming responsibility, representatives of the Philippine National Police consistently maintained that the motive was robbery. [6] [7] Evidence eventually confirmed that the attack was financially motivated, and was committed by Jessie Javier Carlos, a debt-ridden former civil servant. [2]

Attack

Resorts World Manila immediately following the shooting. The complex was shrouded in smoke from fires started by the suspect. Also pictured is Maxims Hotel, where the attacker committed suicide. Resorts World Manila right after shooting.jpg
Resorts World Manila immediately following the shooting. The complex was shrouded in smoke from fires started by the suspect. Also pictured is Maxims Hotel, where the attacker committed suicide.

A few minutes after midnight of June 2, 2017, a gunman carrying bottled gasoline and an M4 Bushmaster rifle [8] [9] entered the Resorts World Manila casino's second floor for high rollers. The gunman reportedly wore a mask and did not utter any words or battle cries before opening fire. The gunfire caused mass panic and some guests were injured in a stampede during the evacuation. People hearing the initial shots immediately fled from the first and second floors of the building, but some retreated deeper into the building for cover. [10] Reports of an active shooter in the restaurant below the second-floor casino soon followed the initial gunfire. [11] In the evacuated gambling floor of the casino, the gunman doused the felt linings of poker tables and cushioned slot machine chairs with petrol and ignited them with a hand-held lighter. [4] At 12:18 am, the gunman proceeded to break into a safe room by shooting out the locks of secured doors with his rifle. He then took 113 million Philippine pesos worth of gambling chips (worth US$2.3 million in 2017). [8] [12]

Despite no one being directly injured by the suspect's gunfire, the burning casino furniture produced toxic smoke that caused at least 36 reported deaths from smoke inhalation as fumes overcame the crowd; among them were Elizabeth Panlilio Gonzales (wife of Pampanga 3rd District Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr.), Consolacion Mijares (sister of Representative Gonzales), Eleuterio Reyes (husband of actress Azenith Briones), and one South Korean man who suffered a fatal heart attack. [12] [13] [14] [15] Southern Police District Director Superintendent Tomas Apolinario stated that all of the bodies were found within the casino area, most of which were women located within the building's bathroom. [16] Fifty-four were initially reported injured, including a security guard who accidentally shot himself in panic; [17] [18] the final injury count was eventually raised to seventy. [1]

By 1:30 am, a SWAT team had responded in a raid of the mall and casino premises. [19] Following a confrontation with one of the SWAT units at a stairwell, shots were fired, the gunman was suspected to be wounded, and the gunman fled upwards to Maxims Hotel, one of the complex's hotels. [1] At 1:46 am, the gunman shot open the door of Room 510 of the hotel, lit a fire at the corridor, and committed suicide by setting himself on fire in Room 510 and shooting himself in the head. [12] [8]

The gunman's bag containing the stolen chips was recovered in a toilet. [20] His rifle, with its serial number filed out, was also recovered alongside a .380 Tanfoglio pistol with an intact serial number (#AA04282). [9]

2017 Resorts World Manila attack
Metro Manila location map.svg
Locator Dot.png
Resorts World Manila attack map.png
Location of Resorts World Manila, where the attack took place

Investigation

Identification of the perpetrator and motive

Soon after the incident, the Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa issued official statements regarding the attack, describing it as perpetrated by a single shooter, refuting prior eyewitnesses' statements that there were two gunmen and that the motive was to steal chips from the casino area of the resort complex, clearing the casino of all employees and guests with warning shots and setting the casino room ablaze as a distraction or smoke screen. [21] Dela Rosa also confirmed that while no one was injured by gunfire from the suspect, the burning tables and chair stuffing produced poisonous smoke that killed at least 36 people with many others injured by the smoke and stampede. The suspect fled the casino and meandered throughout the complex before isolating himself in a hotel room where, according to Dela Rosa: "He lay down on the bed, covered himself with a thick blanket, apparently poured gasoline on the blanket and burned himself." [22]

The Philippine National Police probed for any possible security lapses that may have allowed the gunman to enter the premises. [23] Blood samples left behind by the bleeding suspect were collected from a stairwell leading to the Room 510 and an autopsy was conducted to identify the suspect's body, which had been burned beyond recognition. [12] During preliminary investigations, Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde stated that the police suspected the lone assailant might have been a tall white adult male who spoke English [1] and likely set the casino tables and furniture on fire as a diversion while he committed the robbery. [13]

On June 3, the authorities released CCTV footage of the incident that extensively depicted the progression of events. The gunman had arrived at the casino in a taxi, whose driver was later interviewed revealing that the gunman hailed for him at San Lazaro and spoke fluent Tagalog, [12] but disputes the allegation that the suspect was shot in the leg during the initial standoff with the SWAT by claiming that the suspect was already limping when he exited the taxi to enter the casino (the suspect was later revealed in an autopsy to not be wounded by gunfire in the leg). [24] The footage shows the initial moment when gunfire prompted shoppers, guests, and gamblers to rush for exits and cover, the gunman dousing flammable poker tables and slot machine chairs with gasoline and igniting them, the robbery itself, the gunfight, and the suspect's retreat to the hotel room. The footage also revealed that the suspect unmasked after hiding at the base of the hotel stairwell, revealing his face as he looked directly at one of the cameras during his flight upstairs. [12] Further investigation of public CCTV footages in Manila revealed that the suspect acquired 3 liters (0.66 imp gal; 0.79 U.S. gal) of gasoline from a local refueling station around 11:19 pm before boarding the taxi to the casino. [24]

Casino management lapse

Resorts World Manila president Kingson Sian (left) is queried by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during the Congressional hearing on the Resorts World incident held at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay on June 7, 2017. He is joined (left to right) by Resorts World CEO Stephen Reilly, Pagcor chairperson Andrea Domingo, DILG secretary Catalino Cuy and PNP chief Oscar Albayalde. Resorts World Manila incident Congressional hearing.jpg
Resorts World Manila president Kingson Sian (left) is queried by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during the Congressional hearing on the Resorts World incident held at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay on June 7, 2017. He is joined (left to right) by Resorts World CEO Stephen Reilly, Pagcor chairperson Andrea Domingo, DILG secretary Catalino Cuy and PNP chief Oscar Albayalde.

The House of Representatives' Committee on Public Order and Safety and the Committee on Games and Amusement opened a probe into the incident on June 7, 2017. [25]

The management of Resorts World Manila admitted that there was a lapse of security in one of the house probes. The casino's CEO, Stephen Reilly said upon reviewing the CCTV footage that some security personnel were not in their posting area when the attacker entered the casino. Resorts World Manila President Kingson Sian said that the management however was able to execute an emergency protocol which led to the evacuation of thousands of people from the establishment. Sian in his presentation points out that there were thirteen fire exits on the second floor of the casino, nine of which are in the gaming area. [26]

Queried about why at least 37 people died despite the casino's efforts. Sian said that the attacker left a bag of bullets in the public area room where people suffocated to death. He said that people may have thought that there were many gunmen and decided to stay put instead of leaving for fear for their lives despite the outside area already burning. Sian also alleged that an explosion of a BMW car on display on the second floor contributed to the panic and says that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) should confirm his claim. The BFP has yet to conduct a fire safety inspection in the area. [26]

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the licensor of Resorts World Manila, said that it had issued a security advisory to its licensee casinos to provide additional precautionary measures in wake of recent terrorist incidents and the martial law declaration in Mindanao. [27]

Resorts World Manila security chief Armeen Gomez's credentials and educational background were scrutinized by House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas (Ilocos Norte–1st) and Representative Romeo Acop (Antipolo–2nd). Gomez claimed to have ten years of experience as a security practitioner. Gomez also said that he had only "short, stint training" in the early part of his career when asked about his police or military background. He said that he was admitted to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) but claims to have been discharged due to "personal reasons". Acop questioned his conflicting statements regarding his attendance in the PMA and it was found out that Gomez did not finish college. Fariñas expressed doubt about Gomez's credentials and said that the casino's personnel should have been adequately trained. Gomez was already on his way home but returned to the casino when he was informed about the attack. [28]

Claims of terrorist attack

The attack, occurring concurrently with the Marawi crisis in Mindanao, targeted an area popular with Western and American tourists, fueling speculation of the attack being affiliated to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant-aligned Abu Sayyaf and the Maute group, or its sympathizers. SITE Intelligence Group reported that a Marawi-based Filipino operative linked to ISIL, which had used Telegram to report on the ground in the Marawi crisis, claimed via Telegram that "lone wolf soldiers" connected to the group were responsible. [20] [29] A day later, the Amaq News Agency claimed the attack was carried out by ISIL fighters, while the group's East Asia division referred to only one attacker named Abou al-Kheir al-Arkhebieli and boasted about the number of Christians killed or wounded. [7] Following the identification of the gunman, on June 8, the same Marawi-based Telegram account further claimed that the casino gunman converted to Islam four months earlier and had informed the Marawi group of the planned attack one week before the attack. [29] Since the June 8 Telegram post, no further information and claims from ISIL or its affiliates were publicized regarding the attack.

Since the start of the investigation Dela Rosa has consistently rejected claims of terrorism, stating that the attack may have been a robbery, and refuted eyewitnesses' initial cries that the attack might be linked to any ISIL-related action, which caused panic among many hotel employees and guests. [21] In a follow-up investigation, the Manila police reiterated that they reject claims that multiple attackers were involved, in addition to ruling out terrorism as a motive. [7] Steve Cutler, chairman of the Overseas Security Advisory Council, and former United States FBI attaché to Manila, similarly sided with the suspicion that the incident was a robbery, not an act of terrorism. [30] The June 8 Telegram statement was similarly rejected by both intelligence officials and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in a Rappler investigation. [29]

2017 Paco shooting
Location Paco, Manila, Philippines
DateJune 1, 2017
 10:00 pm
Attack type
Shooting
Weapons 9mm Tanfoglio semi-automatic pistol
Deaths2
PerpetratorJessie Javier Carlos

Following the identification of the casino attacker, further investigation was conducted by the Manila police to probe connections between the casino attack and the deaths of Elmer Mitra Jr. and Alvin Cruzin in Paco, Manila on the night of June 1, two hours before the attack. [24] An informant at the Manila Police District divulged that the suspected murderer is theorized to have been pressured by Mitra and Cruzin, who knew the casino attacker, [9] to repay his debt, fueling the theory that they were murdered by the same casino gunman and the killing was motivated by similar reasons as with the casino attack. [31]

According to the informant, Mitra, age 38, a lawyer and son of former Pasay prosecutor Elmer Mitra Sr., and Cruzin, age 43, a former Manila police officer who retired in 2009 to become a casino financier, were alleged to have met with the suspect at 4 pm on June 1 for coffee, at Maxims Hotel, Resorts World Manila, [31] before the three left to travel in Mitra's dark gray BMW 3 Series. [24] CCTV evidence was also provided of the crash itself, depicting Mitra's car traveling along Paco Park at approximately 10 pm, just as gunshots were heard by passerby before the car crashes and flips over; [32] an occupant emerged from the wreckage and escaped with a limp (corroborating with the taxi driver's account that the casino gunman was already limping before the shooting [24] ), leaving Mitra and Cruzin behind, who were later discovered dead from gunshot wounds in the heads from behind. [31] A figure matching the suspect's description was then sighted via another CCTV recording walking to the suspect's house, before emerging from the house at 11 pm in attire and equipment matching those of the casino gunman. [24] Four 9mm casings, six bullets, and a 9mm Tanfoglio semi-automatic pistol (serial #Z04575) were recovered by the police from the crash site, and the suspect's bloody cargo pants matching the description in the crash footage was also found in the suspect's home. [24] [31] On June 22, Senior Inspector Rommel Anicete of the Manila Police District homicide division chief confirmed that the casino gunman is the only person of interest in the twin shooting case following forensic tests on the car wreck. [33]

Perpetrator

On June 4, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) identified the lone gunman as Jessie Javier Carlos, 42, a Philippine citizen and former employee of the Department of Finance who resided in Santa Cruz, Manila. [2] [34]

Initially employed as a tax specialist at a One-Stop-Shop Tax, Credit, and Duty Drawback Center, Carlos was dismissed from the Department of Finance in 2012 by the Office of the Ombudsman after the department's Revenue Integrity Protection Service discovered non-declarations/misdeclarations on his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). Carlos was accused of failing to disclose that he had disproportionately more wealth in assets than his accumulated salary permitted, including a Manila property worth 1.1 million pesos (US$22,273) and a two-hectare (4.9-acre) farm in Tanauan, Batangas that he acquired in 2010 for 4 million pesos (US$81,000). [35] The court proceedings lasted for years and provided extensive insight into Carlos's further business dealings, including his supposedly dormant gun dealing business, Armset Trading, which existed under his wife's name, and his involvement in the mining business in 2009, when he earned 100,000 pesos (US$2,000) a month as an intermediary during a gold rush in Maragusan, Compostela Valley. [36]

The police investigation revealed that Carlos was an avid gambler, often betting large sums of money, and cited his gambling addiction as the primary reason for his mounting personal problems and eventual motivation to rob a casino. He actively participated in cockfight betting since 2006, [36] and was last active in the scene in Tanauan, where he bred and sold fighting cocks at his farm. To further his gambling ability, he sold his farm in November 2016 for half of the asking price of 10 million pesos (US$200,755) alongside some of the fighting cocks he reared. [2] [37] [36] His gambling habits had also led to his separation from his wife and three children and further attempts to sell off private possessions, including his personal vehicle and his home. [2] [37] Carlos had also reportedly owned the M4 rifle that he used in the attack, purportedly as a status symbol during his ownership of the fighting cock farm, and unsuccessfully attempted to sell the firearm to the barangay chairman of Darasa in Tanauan for 100,000 pesos (US$2000). [37]

Carlos eventually developed an addiction to gambling at casinos in an attempt to repay his debt from cockfighting, and was known to have been a high roller regular at various casinos (Resorts World Manila was not among the casinos he regularly frequented), [2] until PAGCOR, upon request of next-of-kin, banned him from entering all casinos on April 3, 2017. [2] [37]

At the time of the attack and his death, Carlos had accumulated a debt of 4 million pesos (US$79,000) in his bank account, in addition to other non-bank-related debt. [2]

The Supreme Court en banc, in a decision promulgated on April 18, 2023, reversed the October 2015 decision of the Court of Appeals that convicted Carlos of dishonesty over alleged mistakes in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth when he was still a government employee, citing the government's failure to comply with procedures under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713). The decision was made public in August. [38]

Reactions

Domestic

President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with actress Azenith Briones, whose husband was killed in the attack, June 4, 2017 Rodrigo Duterte condoles with families of RWM victims (2017-06-04).jpg
President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with actress Azenith Briones, whose husband was killed in the attack, June 4, 2017

Malacañang Palace, through a statement from presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, expressed its condolences to the families and friends of the victims. Malacañang reiterated the importance of President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against criminality as a "centerpiece program" of the administration. [39] President Duterte called the gunman "crazy", ruling out any links to ISIL saying the group was more "brutal and cruel". [40] While speaking to reporters in Subic Bay, Duterte apologized for the incident and questioned Resorts World Manila on the layout of their emergency exits. He also denied that the incident was terrorism-related, but warned that a terrorist incident could occur in the Philippines. [41]

Members of the Philippine Congress expressed sadness over the attack. Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon and Senator Joel Villanueva urged the public to remain calm to avoid spreading fear and escalating the incident into an issue of national security. Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano labeled the incident as "isolated". House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez disagreed with the conclusions of police, who ruled out terrorism in the investigation, and hinted at the possibility of the attack being a "lone wolf terrorist attack"; Alvarez called on the police and the military to cooperate closely in ensuring public safety against terrorism. [42] [43] Gabriela Women's Party Representative Emmi de Jesus expressed hope that the incident would not prompt the extension and expansion of martial law, which had already been declared in Mindanao following the Marawi crisis. Senators Win Gatchalian and Grace Poe urged establishments, particularly tourism facilities, to tighten security. [44] Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former director-general of the Philippine National Police, urged the police to prevent speculation from interfering in their investigation. [45] Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III raised questions to the management and PAGCOR regarding the security arrangements and concern for safety in casino hotels, while Senator Francis Pangilinan also raised similar questions. [46]

The National Economic and Development Authority assured that the fundamentals of the Philippine economy would not change due to the incident, which director-general Ernesto Pernia described as an "isolated criminal case of robbery." [47]

Several local celebrities offered their prayers to the victims of the attack. [48]

In response to the attack, the police have increased its presence in shopping malls in Metro Manila. [49]

Manila airport closure

From 1:45 to 3:45 am during the attack, the main gates of the four terminals of the nearby Ninoy Aquino International Airport were shut down as a precaution. Only passengers and airport personnel already inside were able to move between terminals during the shutdown. Four Philippine Airlines flights were delayed. Operations of the airport normalized the following day, but security measures were heightened. The issuance of access passes to passengers was temporarily suspended. Cebu Pacific offered refunds or free rebooking to patrons who booked flights scheduled on June 2, 2017. [50]

Responses to the gambling industry

PAGCOR suspended the operating license of Resorts World Manila on June 9, 2017, until it deems that it has rectified its "serious security lapses and deficiencies" saying that the incident put the gaming, tourism, and hospitality industries of the Philippines "in a bad light". [51] PAGCOR has also said that it will require its other casino and resort licensees to submit their security protocols as part of measures to prevent a similar incident from occurring. [51]

On the same day, the Philippine National Police ordered the relief of security guards posted at the entrance and exits of the Resorts World Manila casino. [52]

International

The European Union expressed sympathy to the Philippine government and the attack victims' family and friends, as well as hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. United States President Donald Trump expressed sadness over the incident, which he labeled as a terrorist attack, and added that U.S. officials "were closely monitoring the situation." [53] [54] U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo from Guam condemned the attack and offered assistance to constituents on Guam attempting to contact family members at the resort. [55] The embassies of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States issued travel advisories to their citizens, informing them to avoid the area and to follow the advice of local authorities. [56]

Travellers International Hotel Group, the operator of Resorts World Manila, condemned the attack as a "cowardly act of a deranged mind." [57]

Aftermath

The license suspension imposed by PAGCOR was lifted on June 29, 2017, and on the same day, Resort World Manila resumed its gambling operations in gaming areas not affected by the attack. [58]

The casino resort experienced a decline in revenue, causing management to rush "Phase 3" of the facility's development. It hired Blackpanda, a private security consultant, to tighten its security procedures. [59] The gambling area on the second floor affected by the attack will be converted to be part of the shopping mall. By September 2017 the casino had recovered most of its visitorship, accommodating 26,000 people per day on average compared to 28,000 before the attack. [60]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Newport World Resorts</span> Resort in Metro Manila, Philippines

Newport World Resorts is an integrated resort, located in Newport City, opposite Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. The resort is owned and operated by Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (TIHGI), a joint venture between Alliance Global Group and Genting Hong Kong. The project, occupying part of a former military camp, has four hotels, casino gambling areas, a shopping mall, cinemas, restaurants, clubs and a theater. A soft launch of the resort took place on August 28, 2009. Resorts World Manila is the sister resort to Resorts World Genting in Malaysia and Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. It was the first integrated resort in Metro Manila, and from 2009 to 2013 it was the only one in operation until the opening of Solaire Resort & Casino in Entertainment City, Parañaque, on March 16, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Philippine Bar exam bombing</span> 2010 bombing occurred on Taft Avenue

The 2010 Philippine Bar exam bombing occurred on Taft Avenue near De La Salle University (DLSU), located in Malate, Manila, Philippines, on September 26, 2010, at 5:05 pm PST, a few minutes after Philippine Bar examinees began exiting DLSU. A Mk2 grenade was thrown at a group of Alpha Phi Beta members from San Beda College. They were standing near Tau Gamma Phi members, who police believed were the real target of the explosive. This resulted in injuries to 47 people, including two who required amputations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solaire Resort & Casino</span> Resort in Parañaque

Solaire Resort & Casino is a resort and casino in Entertainment City, a complex built along the Bay City area of Parañaque, in Metro Manila, Philippines.

James Patrick Romero Bondoc, known professionally as Jimmy Bondoc, is a Filipino musician, songwriter, and lawyer best known for composing his songs Let Me Be The One and Hanggang Dito Na Lang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gambling in Metro Manila</span>

Gambling in Metro Manila has been regulated since 1976 when the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was created through Presidential Decree 1067. Under its charter promulgated in 1983, the 100% state-owned PAGCOR, running under the direct supervision of the Office of the President, serves three crucial roles: to regulate and operate all games of chance in the country, particularly casino gaming; generate funds for the government's infrastructure and socio-civic projects; and boost local tourism.

The following is a list of notable events that are related to Philippine music in 2015.

2017 in the Philippines details events of note that happened in the Philippines in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aseana City</span> Central business district in Parañaque, Philippines

Aseana City is a 204-hectare (500-acre) mixed-use central business district development located in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines. Owned and developed by D.M. Wenceslao & Associates (DMWAI) through Aseana Holdings, it is situated in the centermost portion of the Central Business Park between the SM business complex in the north and Asiaworld in the south within the Bay City area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maute group</span> 2012–2019 Philippine Islamist militant group

Dawlah Islamiya, also called Islamic State of Lanao and formerly named as the Maute Group, is a radical Islamist group composed of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas and foreign fighters. Based in Lanao del Sur, it was founded by brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute. The organization, which also conducted a protection racket operation in the municipality of Butig, clashes on several occasions with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the most significant of which began in May 2017 and culminated in the siege of Marawi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Okada Manila</span> Resort casino in the Philippines

Okada Manila is a casino resort and hotel complex located on the Entertainment City gaming strip in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines. With a total construction cost of about ¥250 billion, Okada Manila was established and opened after seven years of construction in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Bohol clashes</span> Armed conflicts

The 2017 Bohol clashes were armed conflicts that took place in April and May 2017 between Philippine security forces and Moro ISIL-affiliated militants led by members of the Abu Sayyaf in Inabanga, Bohol, Philippines. Three Philippine Army soldiers, a policeman, four terrorists and two civilians were killed during the initial firefight. Subsequent firefights between the remaining militants and security forces resulted in the deaths of all the Abu Sayyaf insurgents. A ranking officer of the Philippine National Police linked to Abu Sayyaf attempted to rescue some of the insurgents but was arrested.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siege of Marawi</span> 2017 conflict between the Philippine government and the Maute Group

The siege of Marawi, also known as the Marawi crisis and the Battle of Marawi, was a five-month-long armed conflict in Marawi, Philippines, that started on May 23, 2017, between Philippine government security forces against militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS), including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadist groups. The battle also became the longest urban battle in the modern history of the Philippines.

The 2017 Bulacan massacre is a massacre that happened on June 27, 2017, in which the assailants killed 5 members of a family inside their home in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines. The authorities listed five persons of interest involved in the massacre. Within two weeks after the incident, three of the five persons of interests had been killed by unknown assailants within different areas in Bulacan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Protests against Rodrigo Duterte</span> Political protests against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Protests against Former President Rodrigo Duterte escalated on November 18, 2016, following Duterte's support of the burial of the late president Ferdinand Marcos. These series of protests are mostly conducted by progressive groups and other opposing figures mainly due to the ongoing war on drugs, the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, and employment issues such as contractual terms being applied by companies and inflation which occurred due to the passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. Other causes of the protests include the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and the shutdown and franchise denial of ABS-CBN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator</span> Online gambling service provider

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), renamed Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL) in October 2023, are firms operating in the Philippines that offer online gambling services to markets outside the country, with a significant portion catering to the Chinese market. POGOs began operating in the Philippines in 2003.

The employment of Chinese citizens in Philippine firms engaging in offshore gambling known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has been a subject of national interest in the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Casino Filipino</span> Casino chain in the Philippines

Casino Filipino (CF) is a casino chain operated by the state-owned gambling regulator and operator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

On July 24, 2022, a mass shooting took place at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, leaving three people dead and three others injured, including the assailant. The attacker, identified as Chao-Tiao Yumol, successfully targeted former Mayor Rose Furigay of Lamitan, Basilan, who was at the university to attend her daughter's graduation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mindanao State University bombing</span> Islamic State mass murder in the Philippines

On December 3, 2023, an Islamist bombing occurred during a Catholic Mass at the gymnasium of Mindanao State University in Marawi, Philippines, killing four people.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Philippines hotel attack: 37 victims suffocated after 'white' gunman shot gambling machines and started a fire in 'botched robbery'". The Telegraph. June 2, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Suarez, KD (June 4, 2017). "Ex-DOF employee is Resorts World gunman – police". Rappler . Retrieved June 4, 2017.
  3. "Shooting heard at Manila leisure complex". BBC News. June 2017. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  4. 1 2 Pitman, Todd (June 3, 2017). "Security video shows methodical gunman in attack". Associated Press. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  5. "Resorts World Manila attack: What we know". newsinfo.inquirer.net. June 2, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  6. "Dela Rosa: Gunman in Resorts World attack killed". ABS-CBN news. June 1, 2017. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  7. 1 2 3 "ISIS claims Manila casino attack despite police denial". CNN. June 2, 2017.
  8. 1 2 3 "Security video shows methodical gunman in Resorts World attack". Philippine Daily Inquirer . June 4, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  9. 1 2 3 "Cops Probing Casino gunman's link to Manila twin slays". Philippine Daily Inquirer . June 10, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  10. Rafales, April (June 1, 2017). "Gunfire reported at Resorts World Manila". ABS-CBN. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  11. Rafales, April (June 1, 2017). "Gunfire reported at Resorts World Manila". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on June 1, 2017. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Video of Manila Casino Attack Shows Robbery Was Goal, Police Say". The New York Times. June 3, 2017. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  13. 1 2 "ISIS claims attack that left 37 dead in Manila casino". CNN. June 2, 2017.
  14. "Casino staff, guests among 37 killed in Resorts World Manila attack". CNN. June 2, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  15. Calupitan, Joeal (June 1, 2017). "36 People Have Died in the Manila Resorts World Attack". TIME. Archived from the original on June 1, 2017. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  16. "36 found dead in Manila casino after armed robber set fires, committed suicide, police say". CNN. Fox News. June 2, 2017. Archived from the original on November 2, 2019. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  17. "Gunman sparks panic at Philippines resort, injuring 54". BNO News . June 1, 2017. Archived from the original on June 1, 2017. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  18. Rawlinson, Kevin. "Manila resort in lockdown after explosions and gunshots". The Guardian . Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  19. Yan, Holly (June 1, 2017). "Resorts World Manila: Explosions, gunfire reported in Philippines". CNN. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  20. 1 2 "Resorts World Manila on lockdown after gunman storms casino". CBS News. June 1, 2017. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  21. 1 2 "Resorts World gunman tried to steal casino chips, says Bato". ABS-CBN News . June 2, 2017.
  22. "Resorts World Manila: At least 36 bodies found at casino complex". BBC News. June 2, 2017.
  23. de Jesus, Julliane Love (June 2, 2017). "Police to probe possible Resorts World Manila security lapses". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Resorts World gunman behind murder of cop-turned-casino financier?". The Philippine Star . June 9, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  25. "House hearing on the Resorts World Manila attack". Rappler. June 7, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  26. 1 2 "Resorts World Manila admits lapses in security". ABS-CBN News. June 7, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  27. Tan, Lara (June 8, 2017). "PAGCOR: Resorts World may face sanctions for not following our security advisory". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on June 7, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  28. Bajo, Ana Felicia (June 7, 2017). "Resorts World Manila security chief grilled during House probe". GMA News. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  29. 1 2 3 "ISIS 'sanctioned, if not directed' Resorts World attack – expert". Rappler . July 2, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  30. Ropero, Gillan. "Resorts World Manila attack was robbery, not terrorism: ex-FBI agent". ABS-CBN News.
  31. 1 2 3 4 "Lawyer, casino financier 'killed' by Jessie Carlos". The Manila Times . June 12, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  32. "Police probe case with possible link to Resorts World gunman". GMA News Online . June 9, 2017. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  33. "Resorts World gunman possible suspect in BMW killings – MPD". Rappler . June 22, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  34. "Resorts World gunman identified as Jessie Javier Carlos, a Filipino". June 4, 2017. Archived from the original on June 4, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2017.
  35. De Vera, Ben O. (June 4, 2017). "DOF: Resorts World gunman dismissed for alleged graft, corruption". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  36. 1 2 3 "Resorts World gunman attended hearing for P6M forfeiture case before attack". Rappler . June 19, 2017. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
  37. 1 2 3 4 Cinco, Maricar; Rabe, Marrah Erika (June 4, 2017). "Resorts World gunman a 'gambling addict, a big cockfight bettor'". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  38. Casilao, Joahna Lei (August 10, 2023). "SC reverses decision finding Resorts World gunman guilty of dishonesty". GMA News Online . Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  39. Macas, Trisha (June 2, 2017). "Palace condoles with kin of Resorts World Manila incident victims". GMA News Online . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  40. "Security footage shows rampaging gunman in Manila casino attack". CBS News.
  41. Romero, Alexis (June 4, 2017). "Duterte to Resorts World: Where were the exits?". The Philippine Star . Retrieved June 4, 2017.
  42. Yap, DJ (June 3, 2017). "Resorts World Manila incident a 'lone wolf terrorist attack'—Speaker". newsinfo.inquirer.net.
  43. "Lawmakers condemn Resorts World senseless attack". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. June 3, 2017. Retrieved June 3, 2017. But Alvarez disagreed with the conclusion of authorities, saying it was a clear example of a "lone wolf" attack targeting civilians to inflict maximum loss of life and damage to property. "This incident should be a wake-up call for the police and the military to cooperate closely in making the seat of government and our financial and business center safe from any terrorist attack, whether by "lone wolves" or heavily armed terrorist contingents, as what happened in Marawi City," Alvarez said.
  44. Ager, Malia (June 2, 2017). "Senators lament attack at Resorts World Manila". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  45. Andrade, Jeannette (June 2, 2017). "Lacson to Resorts World probers: Shun speculations". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  46. Cepeda, Maria (June 2, 2017). "Pampanga lawmaker's wife among victims of Resorts World attack". Rappler . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  47. Cordero, Ted (June 2, 2017). "NEDA downplays impact of shooting incident at Resorts World on economy". GMA News Online . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  48. "'Stop ruining the country I love' and other tweets from celebs". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. June 2, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  49. "Police increase visibility in Metro Manila malls following casino attack". ABS-CBN News. June 10, 2017. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
  50. Andrade, Jeannette (June 2, 2017). "Naia operations normalize but security still tight after Resorts World attack". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  51. 1 2 Flores, Helen (June 10, 2017). "Pagcor suspends Resorts World license". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
  52. "PNP orders relief of Resorts World Manila security guards". SunStar Manila. SunStar Philippines. June 10, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
  53. Walsh, Eric; Brunnstrom, David (June 1, 2017). "Trump says U.S. closely monitoring 'terrorist' attack in Manila". Reuters . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  54. Viray, Patricia Lourdes (June 2, 2017). "Trump wrongly labels Manila shooting a terror attack". The Philippine Star . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  55. Carrera, Janela (June 2, 2017). "Explosions, gunfire rock Resorts World Manila; at least 3 injured". Pacific News Center. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  56. Andrade, Jeannette; Sabillo, Kristine Angeli (June 2, 2017). "Embassies warn nationals in PH after Resorts World Manila attack". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  57. "Resorts World condemns attack: 'Cowardly act of a deranged mind'". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. June 2, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  58. Ramos, Roy (June 29, 2017). "Philippines: Resorts World Manila resumes operations". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  59. "Pagcor suspends Resorts World gaming license". Rappler . Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  60. Schnabel, Chris (September 19, 2017). "Resorts World Manila sees recovery, fast-tracks expansion" . Retrieved September 20, 2017.