Gunman attacks Philippine casino, 34 dead

A gunman stormed a casino in the Philippine capital Manila, opening fire and setting tables on fire, killing at least 34 people.

Smoke rises from a resort in Manila. Photo: Reuters

The incident occurred on the night of June 1 at the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex in the capital Manila, Philippines. Philippine police said a man carrying a gun stormed into the casino, fired multiple shots and set gambling tables on fire, causing panic, Reuters reported.

The body of the suspected gunman was found in a hotel room at the complex early on June 2. "He set himself on fire in room 510," Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa told a news conference. "He lay down on the bed, covered himself with a thick blanket and apparently doused himself in gasoline and set himself on fire."

Philippine news channel ANC quoted the Bureau of Fire Protection as saying they found at least 34 bodies, most of whom died from smoke inhalation.

Police said the gunman appeared to have wanted to rob the casino and the incident was not terrorism-related. However, the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors terrorist organizations, said the Islamic State (IS) had claimed responsibility for the attack. The militant group said a “lone wolf” carried out the attack.

Manila police spokeswoman Kimberly Molitas said about 113 million pesos ($2.27 million) worth of chips stolen during the police blockade had been recovered.

The incident comes as the Philippines is on high alert after the southern city of Marawi was attacked by Islamic militants. Fighting between government troops and the rebels began on May 23. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law on the southern island of Mindanao. Life outside Mindanao, such as the capital Manila, and resort islands such as Boracay and Palawan, continues as normal.

According to VNE