At least 37 people died and 54 others were injured in a fire at the Resorts World Manila casino hotel in Pasay City caused by a gunman early Friday. Here is a timeline of the incident.
Friday, June 2
1:00 AM – The MMDA announced in a tweet that the fire in Resorts World Manila was raised to first alarm. The entertainment complex was placed on lockdown after gunshots were heard inside the premises.
1:20 AM – Civilians from the entertainment complex reported that a lone gunman wearing a bonnet was attacking inside the casino.
2:00 AM – The Resorts World Manila released an official statement confirming that the establishment was on lockdown.
2:20 AM – Agence France Presse said in a tweet that the Islamic State is behind the attack.
4:20 AM – Philippine National Police chief Ronald Dela Rosa ruled out terrorism in the incident saying that the Caucasian-looking gunman did not directly attack people inside the casino.
The police also announced that robbery might be the motive of the shooting and arson as the suspect reportedly tried to steal casino chips worth more than P1 million.
It was also during this time when civilians broke windows in the third floor of the building to escape from the fire and thick smoke.
4:30 AM – Dela Rosa lashed out at Resorts World Manila for reporting the incident late.
US President Donald Trump said he is closely monitoring the incident.
6:20 AM – The police announced that the gunman was a “gambling addict who went crazy.”
6: 40 AM – The police announced that the suspect committed suicide by setting himself on fire inside a hotel room.
10:15 AM – At least 36 other bodies were found on the second and third floors of the facility. Authorities said most of the victims died from suffocation.
10:30 AM – Police said they have identified the gunman but refused to give further details.
12:00 PM – Resorts World Manila Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly said to the media that the fire safety equipment in the establishment worked as they should, adding that the problem was not fire but smoke.
Photo credit: PNP SPD DIR. CSUPT. TOMAS APOLINARIO
