Gunfire and explosions have been reported at the luxury Resorts World Manila hotel in the Philippines. A masked gunman was on the second floor of one hotel, firing at guests, hotel employees fleeing the scene told CNN Philippines.
Police, fire trucks and SWAT teams were seen in the area at about 1:30 a.m. local time Friday to deal with what may be a terrorist event, and takes place just days after president Duterte launched martial law in Mindanao in crackdown against local terrorist activity.
#Manila #Philippines – reports of explosions/gunfire at Resorts World Manila, near the Manila Intl Airport. Avoid area & monitor local news.
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) June 1, 2017
One picture featured white smoke billowing from the top of the complex.
Thick smoke coming off from the top floor or Resorts World Manila. Gunshots were allegedly heard by people inside the casino area. http://pic.twitter.com/LeiTXdePCM
— Dexter Cabalza (@dexcabalzaINQ) June 1, 2017
The venue, Resorts World Manila, also known as RWM, is a resort complex in Newport City which consists of 4 integrated hotels,39 restaurants, a shopping and a gambling area located in metropolitan Manila. RWM has an array of hotels, restaurants and bars. Tourists flock to the complex for its casino, shopping mall, cinema and theater.
“Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men,” the resort posted to its Twitter feed.
Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men.
— Resorts World Manila (@rwmanila) June 1, 2017
We ask for your prayers during these difficult times.
— Resorts World Manila (@rwmanila) June 1, 2017
The complex, which is described on RWM’s website as “the first and largest integrated resort in the Philippines,” is located across from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Casualties were seen being carried out on stretchers and loaded up onto ambulances, or helped to make their own way out of the center in the aftermath of the incident, which occurred at about 1:30am local time on Friday morning
NOW: Possibly an #ISIS-linked gunmen stormed a resort in #Manila, #Phillipine.. Casualties feared.. http://pic.twitter.com/sTHOZxlNet
— Raveen Aujmaya (@raveenaujmaya) June 1, 2017
BREAKING: Ilang tao, sugatan matapos magmadaling lumabas ng Resorts World Manila sa Pasay. Nakarinig kami ng 2 pang putok ng baril. @dzbb http://pic.twitter.com/MdB5Aj5iaC
— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) June 1, 2017
The Philippines has been grappling with incidents of terrorism, especially on the southern island of Mindanao. There, in the city of Marawi, government forces have been battling ISIS-linked militants for control of the city.
The battle for Marawi, a largely Muslim city, has displaced at least 70,000 residents and left 140 people dead. The terrorist siege unfolded last week as Muslims worldwide began to mark the holy month of Ramadan.
Employees of Resorts World Manila ran out after hearing gun fire from the second floor. Bonnet-wearing men are the suspects. @inquirerdotnet http://pic.twitter.com/zqGEo7lcAB
— Dexter Cabalza (@dexcabalzaINQ) June 1, 2017
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law over the island of Mindanao last week after the crisis began. Duterte has suggested he might extend martial law until the end of the year or impose it nationwide, alarming critics.
via http://ift.tt/2rYNkQ6 Tyler Durden