MANILA, Philippines – Gunmen opened fire outside Manila International Airport Friday (December 20th), killing four people including the mayor of a town in the southern Philippines, where political violence is endemic, officials told AFP.

Labangan Mayor Ukol Talumpa, his wife, his 18-month-old grandson and a male aide were fatally shot as they left the passenger terminal, after disembarking from a flight from the southern Philippines, Manila airport manager Angel Honrado told reporters.

Terrified passengers screamed and cried as the ambush unfolded.

"I understand that was the third attempt on the life of the mayor and this time the culprits succeeded," Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters. "It's extremely deplorable that even the wife, grandson and a staff (assistant) were also killed."

An unnamed airport policeman told AFP that he was on duty about 10 metres away when the shooting occurred.

"I heard gunshots so I whipped out my pistol and ran to the area. But the gunman had fled," said the officer. "He had an accomplice on a motorcycle. People were shocked and just stood there so I could not shoot," he added.

The gunman, described by police as wearing a police cap and blue jacket, escaped. Honrado appealed to witnesses to the shooting to help police identify the suspects.