A Philippine mayor was shot dead on suspicion of drug trafficking.

Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom and nine of his accomplices were shot dead in a clash with police in Makilala city on the morning of October 28.

Mr. Dimaukom is an official who was included in the list of politicians suspected of illegal drug trafficking by Philippine President Duterte.

Philippine police at the scene of a drug crackdown. Photo: Reuters

In August, Mr. Duterte named more than 150 officials believed to be involved in illegal drug trafficking activities. He also asked these officials to surrender or face being hunted down.

After a request from Mr. Duterte, Mr. Dimaukom agreed to surrender himself to the police but denied Mr. Duterte's accusation that he was involved in illegal drug trafficking.

Mr. Dimaukom himself also declared to the media that he is fighting against the illegal drug trade and supports Mr. Duterte's crackdown on crime.

Meanwhile, Makilala City Police Officer Romeo Galgo Jr said they were forced to open fire and kill Mr Dimaukom and his companions because they had opened fire on them first.

“We were conducting a legitimate anti-crime operation but they opened fire on three of our police vehicles at a checkpoint in Makilala City in North Cotabato province,” said Bernard Tayong, another police officer.

Earlier, the police received information that Mr. Dimaukom's group was planning to transport a large amount of methamphetamine - a highly addictive compound known locally as shabu - from Davao City - Mr. Duterte's hometown - to Maguindanao province./.

According to VOV