Philippines police chief says no indication shooting linked to terrorism

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

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines' police chief said on Friday there was no indication the shooting incident at a Manila gaming resort was related to terrorism and it may have been a robbery.

Ronald dela Rosa said police were in control of the situation and it was possible Islamic State would claim responsibility for the incident to serve its propaganda.

He told DZMM radio that a lone gunman entered the gaming area at Resorts World and set some tables on fire. The gunshots, he said, were not aimed at people in the room.

"We cannot say this is an act of terror ... he did not hurt anyone," he said. "If you are a terrorist you will sow terror."

(Reporting by Karen Lema and Manuel Mogato; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Andrew Heavens)