Palace calls attention of netizens over ‘fake news’ on Resorts World attack

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella. (PCOO photo)

MANILA—Malacañang on Friday called on netizens to exercise prudence over the release of unverified statements or comments regarding the Resorts World Manila attack in Pasay City that killed 37, including the perpetrator, and wounded at least 54 people.

“We’d like to enjoin, especially the netizens, to please exercise responsibility. I believe this is a particular historic moment for all of us to be able to come together that in spite of all the differences that we all work towards the preservation of peace and unity in the country,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said at a Palace briefing.

He issued the call amid reports circulating in social media that the Resorts World incident was a terror activity undertaken by Islamic State (IS) militants.

The Palace official said that at times like this, people should show unity and love for country.

“Siguro panahon po siguro ‘yung ipairal ang ating pagmamahal sa bayan, a sense of patriotism; that we aim to build and to bring people together instead of trying to separate. No matter what our political colors are, we still have just one nation, one country,” Abella said.

Earlier, Malacañang stressed that the incident at the Resorts World Manila was a criminal act carried out by an emotionally disturbed individual.

Citing information from authorities at the scene, Abella pointed out that although the still unidentified perpetrator gave warning shots, there apparently was no indication that he wanted to harm or shoot anyone.

Except for the attacker, who supposedly committed suicide by setting himself on fire before shooting himself, the other 36 people fatalities died due to suffocation at the gaming area which was torched by the perpetrator.

“The only other individual who sustained a gunshot wound was the security guard who accidentally shot himself,” Abella noted.