Resorts World says attacker was shot by its security officer

A security officer of Resorts World Manila shot the gunman who attacked the casino-hotel complex, Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly said Friday to dispel rumors of how the attacker died.

"Testimonies of responding members of Resorts World Manila security team confirmed that we were able to shoot and wound the gunman that attacked Resorts World Manila in the early hours of June 2nd, 2017," Reilly said during a press briefing with at Remington Hotel within the complex in Pasay City.

"Severe loss of blood from the gunshot wound significantly slowed down the assailant and resulted in his holing up in a room where he took his own life," he added.

In a separate interview with reporters, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa said the suspect was found dead after setting himself on fire.

Recovered from the suspect inside the room were a submachine gun and a short firearm, Dela Rosa said.

Reilly earlier said security guards normally do not carry firearms inside the premises of Resorts World Manila.

"For security lapses, we have an armed intruder who entered into the property. He fired his firearm. He was in combat attire. Security inside the premises does not carry firearms, only on the outside of the premises. They did not engage because it was seen that would escalate the situation," Reilly said.

"Unfortunately the situation did escalate a bit further moving towards gating areas," he added.

The gunman was reported to have attempted to steal P113 million of poker chips. "There is an investigation into an attempted robbery," Reilly noted.

The motive to the attack remains unclear.

"We are still investigating and trying to ascertain why somebody would be so senseless and have such motive. That is still to be determined," he said.

The Resorts World executive recalled how the assailant entered the casino-hotel complex. "He approached our security point at the mall in Newport, which leads to the casino, with his firearm forward," Reilly said.

"He unloaded a number of shots. He was in military attire. The security guard who was at the door for X-Ray screening tried to slow the assailant down, but was unfortunate — could not do so," he added.

Reilly thanked the Resorts World security team, the PNP, and the Bureau of Fire protection.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to our security team, particularly Mr. Bernanrd Cajigas, who also sustained a gunshot wound, and Mr. Petronio Kinol Jr. We also commend the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection for their courage and efforts to contain the incident," he said.

Reilly refuted some claims that two gunmen were involved.

"Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to refute claims circulating online that there were two assailants involved in the incident. We reiterate that there was only one gunman involved in this senseless attack," he said.

"On behalf of the victims' families and loved ones, we request everyone to refrain from spreading hurtful speculation and false information," he added. — Marlly Rome Bondoc/VDS, GMA News