Cebu town mayor...

The two watchmen then went inside the municipal hall where they found Blanco lying bloodied in his office.

Blanco was taken to a district hospital in a neighboring town where he was declared dead.

Last year, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) removed Blanco’s police powers over allegations that he was linked to illegal drug activities.

Blanco, who ran for mayor under the Liberal Party in 2010, was one of two mayors in Cebu said to be closely watched by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on suspicion of being involved in drug operations.

Jonah John Ungab was shot to death by after attending a hearing at the Cebu City Palace of Justice.

Ungab was identified as the lawyer of self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

Another recent high profile killing came in July when mayor Antonio Halili was shot by a sniper during a flag raising ceremony at the town hall in Tanauan, Batangas.

Blanco and Halili are among at least six mayors or vice mayors killed in the Philippines since May. (With a report from AFP)