Panic at Manila casino resort after ISIL-claimed gunshots, blaze
- 7 years ago
An entertainment resort in the Philippine capital Manila was on lockdown early on Friday after gunshots were heard inside the building.
The motive of the shooting was not immediately clear. Authorities said police were in control of the situation and the army was monitoring it closely.
There was no indication the shooting was a terror attack, and robbery may have been the motive, according to the Philippines’ police chief. However, a ‘Filipino operative’ linked to the self-styled Islamic State has claimed responsibility for it, according to SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist news and propaganda.
Breaking:Filipino #ISIS operative who reports frm Marawi says “lone wolf soldiers of Khilafah“responsible for attack Resort World #Manila pic.twitter.com/jBeSCfSqAq— Rita Katz (Rita_Katz) June 1, 2017
The attack comes just as security forces are battling Islamist rebels in the country’s south and President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law there to contain the threat.
Philippine police chief Ronald dela Rosa told DZMM radio a lone gunman burst into the building’s casino, fired shots and set gaming tables on fire, before fleeing the scene. The attacker did not shoot at patrons, but a dozen people were treated for smoke inhalation and fractures.
“We cannot say this is an act of terror … he did not hurt anyone,” dela Rosa said. “If you are a terrorist you will sow terror.”
Amateur video and pictures from inside the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex showed people in panic and in shock.
WATCH: Amateur video shows aftermath at Manila resort following reports of explosions and gunfire https://t.co/DvMJx6Oa77 pic.twitter.com/UeKNoos53f— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) June 1, 2017
Resorts World Manila said on Twitter it was working closely with police to ensure all guests and employees are safe.
Smoke could be seen rising from the casino, hotel and shopping complex, which is close to an international airport and an air force base.
The motive of the shooting was not immediately clear. Authorities said police were in control of the situation and the army was monitoring it closely.
There was no indication the shooting was a terror attack, and robbery may have been the motive, according to the Philippines’ police chief. However, a ‘Filipino operative’ linked to the self-styled Islamic State has claimed responsibility for it, according to SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist news and propaganda.
Breaking:Filipino #ISIS operative who reports frm Marawi says “lone wolf soldiers of Khilafah“responsible for attack Resort World #Manila pic.twitter.com/jBeSCfSqAq— Rita Katz (Rita_Katz) June 1, 2017
The attack comes just as security forces are battling Islamist rebels in the country’s south and President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law there to contain the threat.
Philippine police chief Ronald dela Rosa told DZMM radio a lone gunman burst into the building’s casino, fired shots and set gaming tables on fire, before fleeing the scene. The attacker did not shoot at patrons, but a dozen people were treated for smoke inhalation and fractures.
“We cannot say this is an act of terror … he did not hurt anyone,” dela Rosa said. “If you are a terrorist you will sow terror.”
Amateur video and pictures from inside the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex showed people in panic and in shock.
WATCH: Amateur video shows aftermath at Manila resort following reports of explosions and gunfire https://t.co/DvMJx6Oa77 pic.twitter.com/UeKNoos53f— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) June 1, 2017
Resorts World Manila said on Twitter it was working closely with police to ensure all guests and employees are safe.
Smoke could be seen rising from the casino, hotel and shopping complex, which is close to an international airport and an air force base.