A fire that hit a hotel and casino complex in the Philippine capital has killed least three employees, trapped two others and forced the evacuation of more than 300 guests.

The owner of the Philippine hotel that caught fire killing 72 people said he would give himself up for questioning about the tragedy.

The authorities in the Philippines are considering taking criminal charges against the owner of a hotel in Manila where 72 people died in a fire yesterday morning.

Fire swept through a six-storey budget hotel in the Philiipines before dawn today, killing at least 70 people and injuring 54 others as anti-burglar bars on the windows blocked escape from deadly smoke, officials said.