Smoke billows from the Resorts World building in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

 

Update [01:30 AM PST]: National police chief Ronald dela Rosa issues a statement on the incident.

"There hasn´t been anyone shot," dela Rosa said on DZMM radio, adding there was no indication yet it was a terrorist incident. "We cannot say this is an act of terror? he did not hurt anyone," he explained.

Dela Rosa said the man, who appeared to be acting alone, walked into one of the gambling rooms and fired an M4 rifle at a large television screen, then poured gasoline onto a gambling table and set it alight. He said the man then fired again at a stock room containing gambling chips and filled a backpack with them.

The man then left the room and went upstairs to a hotel section of the complex, according to dela Rosa, who added that there are no reports of hostage-taking, although the gunman has not yet been caught.

"We have cleared the rooms (on the floor of the hotel the gunman was last seen) but we don't see where he is," dela Rosa said.

Update [01:20 AM PST]: A spokeswoman for the US State Department said earlier it was not aware of any US citizens being affected but was continuing to gather information.

"We remain in close contact with local officials," she said, adding that US citizens were advised to exercise caution and monitor local media for further information. 

Update [01:10 AM PST]: Through Twitter updates, the Manila Resort management commented on how Philippine National Police is carrying out an operation to analyse the situation, but refused to share further information saying it "may jeopardise their movement at this point".

The company added that it has "no official information as to the identity or affiliation of the persons responsible" for the incident.

Update [01:05 AM PST]: Philippines police chief says as far as he is concerned, there is no indication that the firing incident at Manila Resort was an act of terrorism.

Update [01:00 AM PST]: A gunman with an assault rifle entered Manila Resort's gaming area and set fire to the tables, the police chief added.

Update [12:59 AM PST]: Philippines Armed Police was seen entering Manila Hotel near Resorts World, a witness told Reuters.

Evacuated employees and guests of hotels stand along a road and watch as smoke billows from a Resorts World building in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

 

Update [12:50 AM PST]: US President Donald Trump Thursday expressed sadness and sympathy for victims of what he labelled a "terrorist attack" at a casino in the Philippines capital Manila.

"We're closely monitoring the situation," Trump said in response to the gunfire attack, which was quickly claimed by Daesh.

"But it is really very sad as to what is going on throughout the world with terror. Our thoughts and our prayers are with all of those affected."

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer also tweeted.

Update [12:30 AM PST, Friday]: Military spokesman Restituto Padilla said the police were in control of the situation and the army was monitoring closely.

Policemen stand guard near evacuated employees of a hotel near a situation at a Resorts World building, in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

 

Various people took to Twitter to talk about the attack.

Original reporting [11:45 PM PST, Thursday]: MANILA: Gunshots and explosions rang out from an entertainment resort in the Philippine capital Manila early on Friday and local media reported armed men were inside the complex.

The company mentioned that it is currently working with the local police to offer the best possible security to the visitors.

Resorts World Manila said on social media it was on lockdown and the local fire department said a blaze was burning on the second floor of the building.

"We ask for your prayers during these difficult times," Resorts World said on Twitter.

Witnesses who spoke to radio stations said several gunmen were seen in the complex. News channel ANC said there were two gunmen, wearing masks and black clothes.

The information could not be immediately verified.

Smoke billows from the Resorts World building in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

 

Pictures circulated on social media of the resort, close to the city's airport, showing plumes of smoke pouring from a building.

A source at one of the resorts told Reuters that employees were being evacuated and declined to give more details.

(Editorial note: Content shared by users on social media has not been independently verified).

?This is a developing story and will be updated as details are made available.

(Editing by Haseem uz Zaman)