At least 36 killed due to suffocation in Resorts World attack
Police patrol outside a hotel at the Resorts World Manila complex, early Friday, June 2, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. Gunshots and explosions rang out early Friday at a mall, casino and hotel complex near Manila's international airport in the Philippine capital, sparking a security alarm amid an ongoing Muslim militant siege in the country's south. AP Photo/Aaron Favila
MANILA, Philippines (2nd update 5:35 p.m.) — Officials of the attacked hotel and casino in Pasay City clarified on Friday that there were 36 fatalities, including the gunman.
Resorts World Manila chief operating officer Stephen Reilly said 22 of the fatalities were guests, while 13 were employees of the casino. All of the victims died due to suffocation after the still unidentified gunman set the gaming area on fire.
The bodies were found on the second and third floors of the gambling building of the casino where the floor was carpeted and tables and chairs were highly combustible.
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"We are extending all forms of assistance to the affected next of kin. We are one on mourning with the families of those affected by this tragedy," Reilly said at a televised press conference.
The identities of the victims were already known, except for two employees and four other guests.
National Capital Region Police Chief Oscar Albayalde earlier reported that there were 37 fatalities.
Meanwhile, more than 60 people were wounded and brought to nearby hospitals in the area.
Reilly also denied the report of Philippine National Police Ronald dela Rosa that a security guard of the casino accidentally shot himself.
The still unidentified gunman was able to enter the casino through the second floor and unloaded a number of shots in the air while approaching the security personnel.
Casino's security team was able to shoot and wound the victim before was he found dead in apparent suicide, Reilly said.
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