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Many of the dead suffocated in the chaos as guests and staff tried to flee choking smoke at the complex

MANILA: At least 34 bodies were found at the Resorts World Manila casino in the aftermath of an attack by a gunman on Friday, Philippine media reports said, citing local authorities.

Many of the dead suffocated in the chaos as guests and staff tried to flee choking smoke at the complex, according to a report by ANC News channel, quoting Bureau of Fire Protection sources.

Resort owner Travellers International Hotel Group Inc said authorities were still seeking details.

Gunman torches Manila Casino leaving 36 people to suffocate to death 

“We have been informed of several casualties, the number and identities of whom have yet to be determined,” it said in a statement. Its shares were down 7 percent.

CCTV SCREENSHOT OF GUNMAN AT RESORT WORLD MANILA 

The gunman killed himself after bursting into the casino, firing shots and setting gaming tables alight, Philippine police said. His motive was likely robbery and not terror-related, police added.

National police chief Ronald dela Rosa told DZMM radio the lone gunman had not aimed his assault rifle at people at the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex during the hours-long drama that began shortly after midnight, and may have been trying to steal casino chips.

Around dawn, the body of the suspected gunman was found in a hotel room in the complex, which is close to Ninoy Aquino International Airport and an air force base.

Police said it appeared the suspect had killed himself after firing at armed officers searching the still-smoking building.

ANC Live: Security lapses? Resorts World Manila explains 

“He burned himself inside the hotel room 510,” dela Rosa told a media conference. “He lay down on the bed, covered himself in a thick blanket and apparently doused himself in gasoline.”

One security guard at the complex had accidentally shot himself, he said. His condition was unknown.

Officials said at least 54 people were hurt, some seriously, as they rushed to escape what at first had been feared as a militant attack.

A staff member at the emergency room in the San Juan de Dios hospital said patients were suffering the effects of smoke inhalation and some had injuries such as fractures. None had gunshot wounds, she said.

Kimberly Molitas, a spokeswoman for the capital’s police office, said 113 million Philippine pesos (US$2.27 million) worth of casino chips stolen during the raid had been recovered.

Reuters

‘SAD DAY FOR RESORTS WORLD’: MALAYSIA’S GENTING CONDEMNS ‘COWARDLY ACT’ AS MANILA ATTACK DEATH TOLL HITS 37

MALAYSIAN gaming conglomerate Genting Group has slammed last night’s attack on its casino in Manila as a “cowardly act” and said its security team is working with local authorities to conduct search and rescue operations on its building where so far, 37 bodies including the suspect, have been found.

“This is a sad day for Resorts World Manila,” said a statement issued by the company shortly after news broke of the attack on its casino.


“It is with deep regret that we have been informed of several casualties, the number and identities of whom have yet to be determined.

“As soon as this information becomes available, we shall be informing their loved ones.”

 At midnight, Philippines police said a gunman, who appeared to be acting alone, walked into one of the gambling rooms at the casino and fired his rifle at a large television screen, then poured gasoline onto a gambling table and set it alight.
The gunman initially disappeared into the chaos of smoke and running people, leading to a manhunt throughout the complex that ended just after dawn when he was found dead in a hotel room.

Police have said the victims died from suffocation from the smoke.

Genting’s statement said that their team on the ground has extended medical assistance to the 54 people who were taken to nearby hospitals after they suffered injuries in the attack.

“This cowardly act if a deranged mind will not defeat the spirit on which resorts World Manila was built.

“With your prayers, we will overcome this tragedy.”

Before the gunman was killed and police had confirmed any motive, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility and US President Donald Trump also branded it a “terrorist attack” .

However, police have insisted that it was most likely a robbery gone wrong, saying the man did not shoot at anyone and appeared to be intent just on stealing gambling chips.

THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT