Gunfire, blasts heard in Philippine capital
Gunfire and blasts have been heard outside the Resorts World hotel in the Philippine capital, Manila.
According to CNN Philippines, the gunfire and explosions took place at about 1:30 a.m. local time (1730 GMT) on Friday, with police, fire trucks and a SWAT team deployed to the scene.
General Ronald Dela Rosa, the country's police chief, told the GMA TV network that there is no concrete evidence that the attack near Manila's airport is terrorism, adding that the gunman believed to be behind the attack was shot dead by police forces.
"He's dead. He was killed by our troops," he said.
Other police sources said the motive was likely robbery.
The resort is an integrated complex in Newport City with numerous hotels and restaurants. Videos posted on social media showed hotel guests running for their lives and casualties being rushed to hospital.
Footage posted on social media showed hotel guests running around as gunshots were heard at the resort.
Fire service spokesman Ian Manalo said a fire was burning on the second floor of the building.
No person or group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
A source at one of the resorts told Reuters employees were being evacuated and declined to give more details. He said police were now in full control of the situation.
The Philippines has been grappling with acts of terrorism over the past months. The government forces have been battling Daesh-linked militants in the city of Marawi in the island of Mindanao.
There was no word on casualties from the attack as firefighters, police and SWAT teams surrounded the resort.
One employee was quoted as having heard five shots fired on the casino’s third floor before the building was evacuated, GMA News reported.
Resorts World Manila is situated opposite the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 – one of the busiest airport terminals in the country.
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