Resorts World Manila on lockdown after gunfire, explosions

Thick smoke billowing out of the top floor of Resorts World Manila.  DEXTER CABALZA/INQUIRER

Heavily armed men in black masks stormed the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City early Friday morning, triggering a security alarm amid an ongoing terrorist siege in Marawi City.

“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,” the company said on its Twitter account.

Except for confirming there were reports of gunfire and explosions at Resorts World, which is across a road from one of the main terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Philippine National Police has not given details about the incident.

“I heard many, many gunshots,” Julio Silva, a witness who managed to dash out of the mall complex, told DZMM radio network.

Other witnesses interviewed by radio networks said they saw unidentified gunmen barged into the casino-hotel complex and then  heard gunfire.

There were no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries.

President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law last week in Mindanao to crush what he said was a rising threat of Islamic State there.

He declared martial law shortly after militants went on a rampage through Marawi City.

Security forces are still battling the militants in Marawi, 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 terrorism threat spread. With reports from AFP, AP and Dexter Cabalza.

This is a developing story.