The attacker escaped after killing Reynaldo Yap, ex-mayor of Sapang Dalaga township in Misamis Occidental province, as he was waiting in a corridor for a hearing in a murder case against him, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said.

One of Mr Yap's bodyguards and a female bystander were wounded, Mr Lim said.

People near the courtroom fled in panic when they heard the shots.

Police officers interviewed on radio said they could not immediately respond at the scene because they were unarmed, having deposited their weapons with court officers as part of a security procedure.

Mr Lim said Judge Zenaida Daguna told investigators the gunman was wearing what looked like a police uniform.

After the shooting, police ordered officials and employees to leave City Hall, where the Manila Regional Trial Court is located, and searched room to room but did not find the attacker.

Officials blamed the violence on lax security. -- AP