- An unidentified gunman entered a casino resort at Manila in Philippines
- He fired shots at the gaming tables and set them on fire
- 34 dead in a panic to escape, several more injured
- Gunman died after setting himself ablaze
- While ISIS has claimed responsibility, Manila police deny terror link
36 Bodies Found
At least 36 bodies were found dead at the casino resort where the attack took place, reported local Philippine channels, quoting sources at the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The victims died of suffocation from smoke after a gunman stormed into a casino-hotel complex and set fire to gambling tables before fleeing with a bag of casino chips.
The police chief says none of the dead bodies had gunshot wounds.
We cannot say this is an act of terror ... he did not hurt anyone. If you are a terrorist you will show terror.Local Police to Reuters
According to the police, the gunman died after setting himself ablaze, reported Reuters.
Smoke Billows from Upper Storey of Hotel
Smoke billowed from the upper storey of an entertainment resort in the Philippine capital Manila where police were searching for a gunman who fired shots and set gaming tables alight early on Friday, a Reuters witness said.
Gunman Not Aiming at People
The Manila Police Chief said that the gunman in the hotel attack was not aiming at the people present. The situation is under control now.
"Guests Were Screaming"
Employees were evacuated from the hotel soon after the gunshots and explosions happened.
"I was about to return to the second floor from my break when I saw people running. Some hotel guests said someone yelled 'ISIS'," Maricel Navaro, an employee of Resorts World, told DZMM radio.
Guests were screaming. We went to the basement locker room and hid there. People were screaming, guests and employees were in panic...When we smelled smoke, we decided to go for the exit in the carpark. That’s where we got out. Before we exited, we heard two gunshots and there was thick smoke on the ground floor.
Philippines armed police seen entering the Manila hotel.