MANILA - POLICE say a northern Philippine town mayor and three of his bodyguards have been killed by unknown gunmen in an ambush.

Cagayan provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo says Mayor Raul dela Cruz of Rizal township and seven bodyguards were traveling on a minibus when the gunmen opened fire on them late Wednesday in nearby Solana township.

Mr Lazo says Mr dela Cruz and his men were able to retaliate but were overwhelmed by the attackers, who were armed with AK-47 and M-16 rifles.

Four other bodyguards were wounded.

Mr Lazo said on Thursday the assailants could be the mayor's political or personal enemies or communist rebels who have threatened him in the past. -- AP