Wife of a Pampanga solon among casualties in Resorts World attack

MANILA—Elizabeth Gonzales, wife of Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, is among the 37 reported casualties from the Resorts World Manila attack in Pasay City on Friday.

Elizabeth’s name was included in the list of victims released by the management.

This was further confirmed by Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, who sought the help of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa to locate the body of Elizabeth.

Fariñas disclosed to House media reporters a text message from the PNP chief confirming the report.

”Sir, positive wife of Rep. of Dong Gonzales of Pampanga is Elizabeth Panlilio Gonzales — died in the incident. We are still looking for her sister Consolacion P. Mijares. No report yet,” the text message read.

Resorts World management identified 22 hotel guests and 13 of its employees who were killed in the senseless attack perpetrated by a lone gunman on Friday dawn.

A total of 35 victims were reportedly killed by smoke inhalation and another 54 were wounded in the stampede.

In a statement, Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families of the victims, including the Pampanga lawmaker’s wife.

”My condolences to my colleague Congressman Gonzales for his loss. I join him in prayers for the eternal rest of his wife’s soul,” Vargas said.

It is with a great emotion and deep sadness to learn the death of these innocent people. Our condolences to the bereaved family,” he added.

Vargas appealed to the public to refrain from making “fake” or “alarming” stories about the incident.

For his part, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon also warned against spreading unverified and dubious sources and information being circulated through social media or the Internet.

”Believe only what is reported in legitimate news organizations and do not relay to others information about the incident that did not come from these official sources of information,” Biazon said.

Biazon also advised the public to refrain from making “unnecessary comments particularly those that are speculative, political, or uninformed.”

”They only serve to fuel the confusion and fear cause by an incident like this during these times. Let us allow the proper authorities to do their work without the additional burden of having to handle self-inflicted terror by an irresponsible public,” he added.

Gabriela lawmakers, Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, also called for sobriety and vigilance following the incident.