MANILA – The government’s chief casino regulator said Thursday she would be “very strict” in requiring Resorts World Manila to overhaul its security, as an investigation into an arson attack that claimed 38 lives proceeded.

There were “compliance issues” that enabled a lone gunman to get past hotel security and set the casino floor on fire on June 2, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp chairperson Andrea Domingo said.

The inquiry will determine if security violations were grave enough to require a revocation of Resorts World’s license, Domingo told ANC’s Headstart.

While security was tight at the casino resort’s main entrance, it was “really bad” at the back entrance and elevators, Domingo said.

“There were compliance issues… We will be very strict,” Domingo said.

Resorts World’s casino operations were suspended last Friday to give way to the inquiry. Domingo said this cost PAGCOR P10 million to P12 million in revenues daily.

A legal “gray area” is making it difficult for government to enforce security standards on casinos, Domingo said.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority, instead of the Bureau of Fire Protection, is in charge of security checks based on a legal opinion by the Department of Justice, she said.

A congressional inquiry on Wednesday uncovered more security lapses that led to an arson attack at Resorts World Manila on June 2.

“There is really a gray area on security,” Domingo said, adding she would meet with casino operators on Thursday to discuss tighter security.

Domingo said there was “no improvement” in Resorts World’s security despite a PAGCOR order before the attack.