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Philippines: 37 Suffocate to Death after Gunman Sets Fire to Casino

  • Veronica Neffinger

    Veronica Neffinger wrote her first poem at age seven and went on to study English in college, focusing on 18th century literature. When she is not listening to baseball games, enjoying the…

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  • Updated Jun 02, 2017

Thirty-seven people were killed when a gunmen carried out an attack at a resort and casino in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

The heavily armed gunman walked into the Resorts World Manila casino, shooting patrons and setting fires which resulted in more deaths. The Islamic State has taken responsibility for the attack, despite Manila police reporting that the attack was not an act of terrorism.

The good news reported by police that the attack was not an act of terrorism soon changed to horror when dozens of people were found suffocated to death within the building. Police reported a gruesome scene upon entering the casino’s second floor. Bodies were strewn across the floor, dead from suffocation. The perpetrator had used gasoline to set fires to casino property.

Families of those at the casino during the attack waited anxiously outside for news of their loved ones. Of the 37 victims, 13 were casino employees and the rest were patrons.

Some people were able to escape by breaking windows and jumping from the second floor. Many of those who tried this course of action were injured.

The Philippines is currently dealing with another national crisis as well. Islamic extremists recently shot and killed eight Christians in the ongoing conflict to take control of Marawi city, capital of Lanao del Sur Province on the island of Mindanao. Additionally, a priest and 250 parishioners were abducted by the extremists.

 

Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/Manakin

Publication date: June 2, 2017