Philippines president excludes Daesh in casino attack

By Ayse Aktas

MANILA (AA) - President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday a deadly attack at a popular casino resort was not the work of Daesh.

"This is not the work of ISIS. The work of ISIS is more cruel and brutal," Duterte said in his first remarks after the attack Thursday that killed at least 37 victims.

Duterte said the attacker was simply "crazy", adding that the gunman stole nearly $2 million worth of casino chips.

National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa said the attack was not an act of terrorism and that authorities had very little information about the gunman.

Fifty-four people were injured after a gunman opened fire and set fire in a casino at the Resorts World Manila.

The suspect poured gasoline onto gambling tables that were then set on fire and reportedly did not aim his weapon at anyone during the attack, according to dela Rosa.

The suspect was later found in a hotel room, dead from an apparent suicide, according to officials who said the unidentified man burned himself alive.