Pinoy Briefs: Resorts World Manila suspended; Korean pros arrested in Manila; Busy schedule for PokerStars Live Manila
People always say, “do you want to hear the good news first or the bad news?” In our latest Pinoy Briefs, there are a couple of stories that won’t exactly leave a smile on your face so we opted to start with them. The first one is a follow up story on the tragic incident that occurred at Resorts World Manila in early June. Until now, doors are still closed with ongoing investigations being conducted. The next brief is on three Korean poker pros getting cuffed by local Philippine authorities. And last but not least is our happy story with PokerStars heating up July with two big events lined up. Have a read below on all those news shakers.
Resorts World Manila operations suspended
One week after a lone gunman went on a rampage and set fire to Resorts World Manila, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) suspended the casino’s operating license indefinitely stating, “RWM must cease and desist all gaming operations while investigation on its liability regarding the June 2 incident is ongoing.”
The terrible tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 37 civilians and injured 54 others, has opened up many questions regarding the casino’s security protocols. This incident then sent a backlash to other casinos with PAGCOR also announcing that they are “requiring all integrated resorts to submit security and safety protocols to make sure that this will not happen again.”
Through the years, RWM has been the hub for several Asian Poker Tour events. Less than two months ago, the APT hosted its biggest event of the year, the APT Championships Philippines, at this popular venue with players from all over the world in attendance. The next APT event in Manila is scheduled to take place at RWM in mid-July however with the ongoing investigation and suspension, it is uncertain if RWM will be operational by that time.
More:Manila Resorts World attack: The Asian poker community in shock
Korean poker pros nabbed in Manila
Last month, Philippine authorities raided multiple locations in Metro Manila and arrested a total of 25 Koreans on suspicion of internet fraud and illegal online gambling. This big shakedown was a joint effort staged by Korean authorities and Interpol seeking assistance from the Philippines Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) to hunt down Korean fugitives known to be hiding out in the country. According to reports, this group was only a small part of a much larger syndicate that has been duping fellow Koreans for years.
Duringone of those raids, well known poker pros that go by the names of John Kim, Byung il Park, and Byeongcheol Kim were among those that were arrested. Those names have now been found to be false identities. These players are wanted in Korea for illegal voice phishing. According to the authorities, they have victimized many Koreans by hacking into their online accounts, posing as Korean police and prosecutors, then asking for money in exchange for not filing a case.
Due to the seriousness of the allegations, it looks like these players will no longer be shining under the poker spotlight as they await deportation.
Two big events coming up at Pokerstars Live Manila
It will be a very busy time for PokerStars Live Manila with a couple of big events taking place next month at their hub in City of Dreams Manila.
Kicking it off is the Super Series 3 running from July 4th- 9th with fourteen events lined up throughout the six days. The highlight tournament is the PHP3M guaranteed Main Event which offers an affordable PHP10K buy-in. This is the third installment of the series that was first introduced to Manila back in February.
More:PokerStars LIVE Manila Super Series 3 – Official Schedule
At the end of the month, the PokerStars Festival makes landfall in the Philippines. The PokerStars Festival is one of PokerStars newest tours for 2017 with the Manila leg slated for July 28th – August 7th. The event will feature a variety of games with buy-ins ranging from P4,500 – P66,000.There are several events with a P55,000 entry fee which includes the highlight event, the PHP4M Guaranteed Main Event. Also in the roster are a couple of events tagged with a larger buy-in, the High Roller Shot Clock sits at the top with a P215,000 entry fee and the NLH Single Re-entry at P66,000.
More:PokerStars Festival Manila – Official Schedule
Article byTriccia David
