COTABATO - A VICE-MAYOR has been shot dead in the southern Philippines, police said on Tuesday, in what is believed to be the country's first political killing this year.

Froilan Rufino, 50, was walking to his home in the town of President Quirino on the troubled island of Mindanao when gunmen shot him three times in the head late on Monday, local police chief Senior Superintendent Benhur Mongao said.

Mr Rufino died on the spot while the gunmen sped away on a motorcycle, Mr Mongao said. The vice-mayor's family was away at the time of the attack and no witnesses had come forward so far.

Political killings and blood feuds are common in many parts of the Philippines, including far-flung provinces in the troubled south, where local officials are known to use hired guns to settle disputes.

Past political assassinations in parts of Mindanao have been blamed on gunmen riding tandem on motorcycles for a quick get-away. -- AFP