At least 36 people have been killed after a white gunman burst into a Manila casino and set the gambling tables on fire. As per the reports, the man entered the complex at midnight and fired an assault rifle at betting machines and TV screens. Before fleeing in mayhem, he stuffed his rucksack with 311m Philippine pesos of casino chips.
According to Police, the gunman after firing at armed officers killed himself.
Due to smokes of fire and suffocation, the victims clambered over each other in order to save their lives. Resort owner Travelers International Hotel Group Inc said they are still looking into the matter.
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In a statement, it said, “We have been informed of several casualties, the number and identities of whom have yet to be determined.”
Police further revealed that the body of the gunmen was found in a hotel room in the complex.
National Police chief, Ronald Dela Rosa said told a media in a conference, “He burned himself inside the hotel room 510. He lay down on the bed, covered himself in a thick blanket and apparently doused himself in gasoline.”
However, the body of the two victims had been taken to the Veronica funeral parlour.
Officials estimated that around 54 people were hurt in the incidence and some seriously injured as at first it appeared to be a militant attack.
But according to Dela Rosa, the gunmen may have been trying to steal casino chips as he did not aim his assault rifle at people.
He said, “We are looking into a robbery angle because he did not hurt any people and went straight to the casino chips storage room. He parked on the second floor and barged into the casino, shooting large TV screens and poured gasoline on a table setting it on fire.”
