In the early hours of Friday, June 2, a gunman fired shots inside Resorts World Manila and then proceeded to take his own life by setting himself on fire. This is the official information from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Initially, there were claims that the shooting was the handiwork of the terrorist group ISIS. However, ABS-CBN News noted that PNP chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa ruled out terrorism as the motive of the attack as "the suspect neither threatened nor harmed civilians." Other reports say that the gunman had been trying to steal chips from the casino.
Dela Rosa blamed "lapses in security" at Resorts World Manila for the gunman's rampage.
Police released photos of the gunman, but it is difficult to get a clear look at his face. The authorities are still in the process of identifying him.
Resorts World condemns attack: 'Cowardly act of a deranged mind' https://t.co/53ME3Al1K3 #ResortsWorldAttack pic.twitter.com/Zjydndmuyl
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) June 2, 2017
Meanwhile, Resorts World Manila confirmed that there were casualties in the incident: 22 guests and 13 employees died due to smoke inhalation from the fire.
UPDATE: 22 guests, 13 employees died due to suffocation, according to @rwmanila pic.twitter.com/SgkUkWFqDC | @dzIQ990
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) June 2, 2017