Kris Bayos
The Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City resumed operations yesterday, four days after the six-hour standoff between the government and a group led by detained opposition Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes IV and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim at the posh hotel.
Hotel employees worked overtime to repair the damages from the incident.
"While last Thursday’s events were certainly a confusing and distressing experience for everyone, we are extremely pleased that everything is back to normal and we are able to open the hotel again so quickly," said David Batchelor, Peninsula Manila general manager.
After the siege, management decided to temporarily close the hotel to repair the damages.
The Manila Peninsula said the standoff devastated the hotel. However, it said business is sure to pick up as it added to the Peninsula Manila’s historical flair.
"We look forward to welcoming back our guests, patrons, and friends to the hotel to celebrate the holiday season with us," Batchelor said.
The damage from the siege due to the bombardment of the hotel lobby with tear gas and ramming of an armored personnel carrier (APC) through the lobby was estimated at P3 million.
During its hiatus, the posh 497-room hotel located at the corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues lost an estimated P20 million in revenues.
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