Asia-Pacific

Manila resort in lockdown after explosions and gunshots

Resorts World asks ‘for your prayers’ as fire department says blaze on the second floor

Filipino elite Police Special Weapons and Tactical personnel outside the Resort World Manila. Photograph: EPA
Filipino elite Police Special Weapons and Tactical personnel outside the Resort World Manila. Photograph: EPA
Thu Jun 01 2017 - 21:56

Gunshots and explosions rang out from an entertainment resort in the Philippine capital Manila early on Friday local time and media reported armed men inside the complex.

Resorts World Manila said on social media it was in lockdown and the local fire department said a blaze was burning on the second floor of the building.

“We ask for your prayers during these difficult times,” said Resorts World.

A Filipino man is frisked by a policeman outside the Resort World Manila hotel in Pasay city, south of Manila. Photograph: EPA
A Filipino man is frisked by a policeman outside the Resort World Manila hotel in Pasay city, south of Manila. Photograph: EPA

Military spokesman Restituto Padilla said the police were in control of the situation and the army was monitoring closely.

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The Philippines’ police chief said there was no indication the shooting incident at the gaming resort was related to terrorism and it may have been a robbery.

Ronald dela Rosa said police were in control of the situation and it was possible Islamic State would claim responsibility for the incident to serve its propaganda. He told DZMM radio that a lone gunman entered the gaming area at Resorts World and set some tables on fire.

The gunshots, he said, were not aimed at people in the room. “We cannot say this is an act of terror . . . he did not hurt anyone,” he said. “If you are a terrorist you will sow terror.”

Witnesses who spoke to radio stations said several gunmen were seen in the complex. News channel ANC said there were two gunmen, wearing masks and black clothes.

The information could not be immediately verified.

Pictures circulated on social media of the resort, close to the city’s airport, showing plumes of smoke pouring from a building.

A source at one of the resorts told Reuters that employees were being evacuated and declined to give more details.

No group has claimed responsibility.

The Philippines is facing a crisis in the south of the country, where troops have been battling Islamist rebels since May 23rd. President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on the southern island of Mindanao last week.

Mr Duterte has said he fears militant group Islamic State’s “terrible ideology” will spread on Mindanao, an island of 22 million people, and has warned it could become a haven for supporters fleeing Iraq and Syria.

(Reuters)