The Philippine authorities has launched a probe into the possible criminal culpability of the operator of Resorts World Manila as President Rodrigo Duterte grapples for answers behind Friday’s casino attack.
GMA Network reported that Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate whether casino operator Travellers International Hotel Group should be criminally held liable over the deaths of 36 people during the attack.
Government agencies responsible for approving the building and business permits of the casino operator are also likely to be included in the investigation, according to Aguirre.
“We need to know and to determine the responsibility and the liability, if any, of anyone which made possible the tragic events at Resorts World Manila. Whoever is responsible for allowing this tragedy to occur should be made accountable under our laws and before courts,” Aguirre said in a statement on Sunday. “We will be remiss in our duties if we fail to do so. The Filipino people, the families of the victims and the memories of the innocent victims themselves deserve no less! Tragedies like these should not be allowed happen again.”