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(Police ran in front of Resorts World Manila in Pasay City on June 2, 2017. Photo credits: AFP/Noel Celis)
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella has initially confirmed that 34 persons died in the attack at Resorts World Manila.
In a press conference at 11:48 am in Malacañang, he said, “the 34 deceased all died due to suffocation” from heavy smoke from fire set by the lone suspect, who had subsequently killed himself.
Abella said, there is no indication that the incident was a terrorist activity.
He said, the tragedy was a “criminal act by an emotionally disturbed individual.”
He added, the incident has no relation to the terrorist attack in Marawi City.
In the same press briefing, Philippine National Police-National Capital Region (PNP-NCR) Director Oscar Albayalde gave an update and he said, the number of fatalities had risen to 37 as of 12 noon.
He said, 36 victims died of suffocation while the 37th was the person who staged the attack.
The suspect had allegedly stolen P 130-million worth of chips from the casino.
