Attack against a hotel-casino resort in Manila could be terrorism
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but no official confirmation has been made. For some, it might be robbery at the resort’s casino. Police have surrounded the area and moved out guests and staff.
Manila (AsiaNews) – Gunshots were heard and fire broke at the Resorts World Manila right after midnight. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack online, but doubts remain. So far, no official confirmation has been forthcoming.
Resorts World Manila is an integrated complex of hotels, restaurants, cinemas, bars and casinos, just a few hundred metres opposite the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
At present, the area is surrounded by police and special forces, along with firefighters and ambulances.
Hundreds of guests and employees have been moved out. Witnesses say some of the guests jumped from the second floor after hearing gunshots. The number of wounded and injured is unknown.
Another witness said he saw only an armed man who shouted that he was with a group linked to the Islamic State group.
Ten days ago, Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law on Mindanao Island to drive out Islamic State-affiliated fighters who had seized parts of the city of Marawi. Duterte said that, if necessary, he would declare martial law for the whole the country.
Filipino police stated that the claim by the Islamic State has not been confirmed. According to some residents, the attack is criminal in nature, perhaps an attempt to steal from the casino at a time when the Filipino military is too focused on Mindanao, letting its guard down in the capital.
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