Alwaght- Thirty-six people have been confirmed dead after gunman stormed a casino-hotel complex in the Philippines capital, Manila.
According to reports, the gunman burst into a casino in the Philippines on Friday, firing shots and setting gaming tables alight, and at least 36 people were killed, most suffocating in thick smoke.
Although ISIS terrorist group claimed responsibility for the carnage, Philippines’ authorities rejected the claim saying it was a botched robbery.
Ernesto Abella, a spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte said, "All indications point to a criminal act by an apparently emotionally disturbed individual."
"Although the perpetrator gave warning shots, there apparently was no indication that he wanted to do harm or shoot anyone."
He pointed out that there was no evidence linking the attack at the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex to fighting between government troops and ISIS-linked militants in the country's south.
Police said the gunman killed himself soon after the attack, and they later announced they were looking for a second "person of interest" who was believed to be a Philippine national.
Most of the dead suffocated in the chaos as guests and staff tried to flee choking smoke at the complex after the attack began shortly after midnight local time (1600 GMT).
A Resorts World Manila official said the dead included 13 employees and 22 guests.
This latest attack comes amid an ongoing siege in the predominantly Muslims city of Marawi, 830 kilometers south of Manila which started as a response to a botched military operation to capture wanted ISIS ringleader Isnilon Hapilon.
Fighters from the ISIS-affiliated Maute group are clinging to the heart of the city, threatening to kill hostages, despite air and ground attacks by security forces for an eighth day with over 100 dead so far.
