Official says 36 bodies found in Resorts World Manila

36 people have been killed in a Manila casino following an attack in the early hours of Friday morning, June 2, 2017.

According to multiple reports, the attack was carried out by a lone gunman who fired shots from an assault rifle and set fire to gambling tables.

CNN reports that the victims, who did not appear to have been shot, are thought to have died of suffocation.

"Most of the victims were women who were found dead inside the bathroom," Southern Police District Director Superintendent Tomas Apolinario said.

It was further reported that thick smoke from fires set by the suspect delayed a search of the building, however, officers later discovered hostages who didn't appear to have been shot during clearing operation.

This was reportedly confirmed by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Oscar Albayalde said.

Albayalde also said all of the bodies were found in Resort World Manila's casino area, which was heavily carpeted and where all the windows were locked.

Another 54 people were reportedly injured in the attack.

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Authorities in the southern Philippines island of Mindanao have ruled out terrorism as the motive for the attack though there are ISIS affiliated activities in the area.

"This particular situation in Manila is not related in any way to a terrorist attack," presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told reporters.

Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters that police think it's likely the suspect was a foreigner after Philippines police released images of the heavily armed suspect.

"He looks Caucasian, he talks English, he's big and he's white, so he's probably a foreigner," he said.The attacker later committed suicide, police said.

"Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men," the company said on its Twitter account.

"The company is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure that all guests and employees are safe."