38 killed in Manila casino hotel attack

At least 38 people were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked Resorts World Manila in Pasay City around early hours of Friday.

The victims among the hotel and casino guests who scampered after the shooting.

Witnesses said they saw masked gunmen attacked the hotel. Gunman reportedly broke into the casino of the hotel. Parts of the hotel is on fire.

Resorts World Manila is an integrated resort located in Newport City opposite the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

Witnesses said they heard somebody shouted "IS." There were reportedly two masked men armed with long guns.

The Resorts World issued a statement after the shooting saying the hotel is "currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men."

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

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Some witnesses said they heard gunshots, so they hid in the bathroom.

Resorts World Manila chief operating officer Stephen James Reilly told reporters he could not confirm how many casualties in the building.

"I can confirm that shots were fired. I cannot confirm how many gunmen are in the building," Reilly said.

He added, "We do not know the purpose at this time."

Philippine national police chief Ronald dela Rosa said Friday that incident at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City was not an act of terror.

"It was not an act of terror, it was plain robbery because the lone gunman stole casino chips," the police chief said.

Earlier reports said unidentified gunmen attacked Resorts World Manila around early hours of Friday, causing injuries among the hotel and casino guests.

However, the police said gunman at the resort was not aiming at people, and situation was under control.

Resorts World Manila is an integrated resort located in Newport City opposite the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The Resorts World issued a statement after the shooting saying the hotel is "currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men."

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

TV footage previously showed people running out of the building after the incident.