Authorities say 36 people have died in an attack by a lone gunman in a hotel and casino complex in Manila, but they don’t believe the incident was terror-related.
The incident took place at around midnight local time at Resorts World Hotel, close to the city’s airport
At least 36 died of smoke inhalation, authorities said, after a man began opening fire at the casino and its hotel, setting gambling tables on fire as customers fled in panic.
Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde said no bodies showed signs of gunshot wounds.
Authorities earlier said robbery was the likely motive as the assailant reportedly stole thousands of gambling chips.
He shot up TV screens but apparently did not aim at people.
He was later found in a guestroom after apparently committing suicide by setting himself on fire.
He has not been officially identified but was described as a white Caucasian who spoke English.
"It’s either he lost in the casino and wanted to recoup his losses or he went totally nuts," Albayalde said, adding that authorities have still found no link to terrorism.
