34 Found Dead From Suffocation After Gunman Sets Manila Casino On Fire

An armored personnel carrier belonging to Philippine government troops drives along a main highway of Pantar town, Lanao Del Norte, as it travels to reinforce Marawi city, where the country's military is battling militants, on May 24.

A gunman has killed himself after bursting into a Manila casino, firing shots, and setting gaming tables on fire, Philippine police said.

Police said they found the bodies of 34 people in the casino on June 2 who apparently died of suffocation while the casino was burning during a standoff between the dead gunman and police.

The man's motive was likely robbery and the incident was not terror-related, police said.

National police chief Ronald dela Rosa told DZMM radio the lone gunman had not aimed his assault rifle at people at the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex during an hourslong standoff and gun battle with police that began shortly after midnight.

Rather, Rosa said, the man may have been trying to steal casino chips.

Around dawn, the body of the suspected gunman was found in a hotel room in the complex near Manila's international airport.

Police said it appeared the suspect had killed himself by dousing himself with gasoline and lighting himself on fire.

Officials said at least 54 people were hurt in the casino fire and during the man's battle with police, some seriously, as they rushed to escape what at first had been feared as a militant attack.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters