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Mainland expresses condolences to Taiwan victims in Philippine casino fire

MANILA -- The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines confirmed on Saturday that five Chinese nationals were among 38 people died in an attack on a Manila casino hotel.

The Chinese victims included one from the Chinese mainland and four from Taiwan, according to the embassy.

The Chinese Embassy has maintained contact with local police and the attacked hotel since the incident happened early Friday.

The lone gunman stormed the Resorts World Manila around midnight Thursday, firing shots inside the casino hotel and setting gaming tables on fire. He was among the 38 dead, most of whom died of suffocation.

The Chinese Embassy expressed their concern and asked the Philippine side to speed up investigation. The embassy also extended deepest condolences to the victims and would provide assistance to their relatives.

Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella said Saturday that all indications in the Resorts World Manila pointed to a criminal act by an apparently emotionally disturbed individual, ruling out a terrorist act although the Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

Abella said Philippine police had conducted an initial investigation, showing that the gunman did not shoot any civilian but only fired shots at LED televisions, burned gambling tables, and stole gambling chips before he burned and shot himself.