Gunman who targeted Manila complex was lone wolf with no ISIL links

The gunman who stormed an entertainment complex in Manila in the wee hours of Friday was acting solo, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa said, noting that there was no indication that the suspect is linked to ISIL.

Authorities confirmed he is dead, but there have been conflicting reports behind the cause of his death. Police said that the man was staging a robbery.

Witnesses reported gunshots, explosions, and billowing smoke from the Resorts World Manila complex, which includes a mall, casino, and hotel near Manila’s international airport. The complex and Ninoy Aquino International Airport were both placed on lockdown in the wake of the incident.

Fifty-four people were injured according to the police chief.

In an interview on Philippines radio, dela Rosa said injuries sustained were mostly minor and resulted from the stampede that formed as people tried to flee the complex.

A source told Reuters that employees were being evacuated and declined to give more details. He said police were now in full control of the situation.

Pictures circulated on social media of the resort showed plumes of smoke pouring out of a building.

Related:

Resorts World Manila: Gunman sparks panic at Philippines hotel

(CGTN)