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Explosions and gunshots reported at Manila entertainment resort Manila resort in lockdown after explosions and gunshots
(35 minutes later)
Explosions and gunshots have been heard at an entertainment resort in the Philippines capital Manila and armed police were deployed to the scene, local media reported. Explosions and gunshots have been heard at an entertainment resort in the Philippines’ capital, Manila, and armed police were deployed to the scene.
Citing the Philippine Red Cross, which has responded to the incident, the Manila Times reported that “dozens” of people have been injured. Pictures were circulating on social media of Resort World Manila, which is close to the city’s airport, showing plumes of smoke pouring out. A Filipino army spokesman said early on Friday that police were in control and the military was monitoring the situation closely, while a spokesman for the country’s Fire Protection Bureau, said a fire was burning on the second floor of the building.
Witnesses who spoke to radio stations said several gunmen were seen in the complex. News channel ANC said there were two gunmen, wearing masks and black clothes. The information could not be immediately verified. The Site Intelligence Group, a US-based organisation that monitors militant websites, reported that Islamic State had claimed responsibility. Last week, the Philippines’ president, Rodrigo Duterte, imposed martial law across the southern region of Mindanao, arguing that the measure was necessary to crush a rising threat posed by Isis-linked rebels.
Resorts World Manila tweeted that the complex was in lockdown following reports of gunfire shortly after 2am local time on Friday (Thursday 1900BST). The military’s spokesman, Restituto Padilla, said. “We are monitoring the situation. The police is on top of the situation. We will issue a statement when we have a complete picture of the incident.”
The Philippine Red Cross said it had taken three people to hospital after the incident which happened at around 2am local time. Pictures were circulated on social media showing smoke pouring out of a building at Resort World Manila, which is close to the city’s airport.
The Manila Times quoted Fernando Atienza, a representative of the aid organisation, as saying that at least 25 people had been injured and some people had suffered serious injuries because they jumped from the second floor of the hotel.
Pahayag ni Resorts World Manila Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly. pic.twitter.com/8aMBZ5OKGG
The resort’s chief operating officer, Stephen Reilly, confirmed that shots had been fired and that the building was in lockdown.
Julio Silva, a witness who managed to dash out of the mall complex, told DZMM radio network: “I heard many, many gunshots.” Other witnesses who spoke to radio stations said several gunmen were seen in the complex. News channel ANC said there were two gunmen, wearing masks and black clothes. The information could not be immediately verified.
This is how close the casino in the Philippines where explosions and gunshots have been heard is to the international airport. pic.twitter.com/ructamL9hm
A spokesman for the nearby Ninoy Aquino airport told the Guardian: “Terminal three has been locked down because it is near the Resort World. We still don’t know how this will affect flights.” Terminal three manages international and domestic flights.A spokesman for the nearby Ninoy Aquino airport told the Guardian: “Terminal three has been locked down because it is near the Resort World. We still don’t know how this will affect flights.” Terminal three manages international and domestic flights.
Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men.
A source at one of the resorts told Reuters that employees were being evacuated and declined to give more details. He said police were in control of the situation.A source at one of the resorts told Reuters that employees were being evacuated and declined to give more details. He said police were in control of the situation.
A source told Reuters that employees were being evacuated, but declined to give more details. The US Department of State warned people to avoid the area. A source told Reuters that employees were being evacuated, but declined to give more details. The US Department of State warned people to avoid the area. Police and fire services could not immediately be reached for comment.
Police and fire services could not immediately be reached for comment. Duterte declared martial law shortly after Isis-linked militants went on a rampage through the southern city of Marawi, which is about 500 miles (800km) south of Manila.
More details soon … Security forces are still battling the militants in the city, and the clashes there have left at least 171 people dead. Duterte said last week he may need to declare martial law across the rest of the country if the threat spread.
Duterte has said he fears that the “terrible ideology” of Isis will spread on Mindanao, an island of 22 million people, and has warned it could become a haven for supporters fleeing Iraq and Syria.