PHILIPPINES — At least one armed man stormed the ‘Resorts World Manila’ entertainment complex and casino in the Pasay City area of metro Manila early Thursday.
The resort initially said ‘unidentified men’ dressed in black entered the casino area with rifles and opened fire. Witnesses also reported hearing explosions as smoke filled the air outside.
Philippine armed forces later said police had full control of the incident and nobody was shot. Officials said ‘only tables’ were set on fire.
Southern Police District Chief Tomas Apolinario now says at least 34 dead bodies have been found inside Resorts World Manila, mostly female victims, who died of smoke inhalation. Police say robbery remains the motive.
CNN mocked President Donald Trump for suggesting the incident was terror related.
Trump incorrectly labeled what officials say was a suspected robbery in the Philippines as a “terrorist attack” https://t.co/mZcsC7MD8b pic.twitter.com/LQqQQaFiXH
— CNN (@CNN) June 1, 2017
SITE reported the Islamic State is claiming responsibility for the siege, this was not confirmed by Breaking911.
The suspect was later found dead after reportedly setting himself on fire inside of the establishment.
Resorts World released the following statement:
CNN Philippines reported: The victims did not appear to have been shot, but indications were that they had suffocated, Bureau of Fire Protection, Southern Police District Director P/Supt. Tomas Apolinario said.
“It’s too early to tell, but so far as we are concerned there was no ISIS,” [the official] said.
“If this is ISIS, all the people gambling inside should have been shot or already been bombed. He didn’t hurt anyone. Those who were injured got their injuries when they jumped from the windows,” he added.
Video posted online showed gunfire and a massive police response—people were seen running from the building in panic.
GUNSHOTS HEARD! RESORTS WORLD MANILA!
BESAFE EVERYONE! FIRE SPOTTED PRAYERS TO YOU ALL pic.twitter.com/GpoYP965FB— Magik (@officialdjmagik) June 1, 2017
Stay away from Resorts World right now. There are reports of a terrorist attack. The casino is on fire and people are being evacuated. pic.twitter.com/neGQ2mEzR0
— Magik (@officialdjmagik) June 1, 2017
Thick smoke coming off the top floor of Resorts World MNL. Gunshots were allegedly heard by people inside the casino area | @dexcabalzaINQ pic.twitter.com/UicWMywKFV
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) June 1, 2017
just in: a gunfire was heard at resorts world manila in pasay city around midnight.
stay safe, guys! pic.twitter.com/hAXHjvanRb
— ㄹemz (@butaetae) June 1, 2017
Resorts World Manila is an integrated resort, located in Newport City, opposite the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines.
The resort has four hotels, casino gaming areas, a shopping mall, cinemas, restaurants, clubs and a theater.
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