By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In light of the recent robbery and arson incident at the Resorts World Manila which claimed the lives of 38 people, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) acting director Police Senior Supt. Jack Wanky said they are considering the conduct of trainings to handle “active shooters.”
An active shooter is engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area or establishment.
In a text message sent by Wanky yesterday, he said there is a need to train personnel in handling such an incident, and is also thinking about offering it to the general public.
The acting city police director is also confident he could share his expertise as he was also a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
“We used to have that kind of training when I was in the anti-kidnapping unit, where we were also taught how to handle hostage taking situations, including active shooters,” Wanky said.
Last Friday, police were called in to the Resorts World Manila Hotel and Casino in Pasay City, after a lone gunman started shooting inside the casino and set several gambling tables on fire.
The PNP said the gunman, now identified by police as Jessie Carlos, was a former employee of the Department of Finance (DOF).
Police added Carlos was heavily addicted to gambling and was recently barred from entering casinos following a request from his concerned family.
Carlos’ parents, meanwhile, appeared on national television yesterday, asking for forgiveness./WDJ