MAGUINDANAO- Local government employees of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao are shocked and emotional over the death of Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom on Friday morning.

The mayor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and 9 others, including his bodyguards, were shot dead in Old Bulatukan in Makilala, North Cotabato at 4:30 a.m.

• READ: Maguindanao mayor tagged as 'narco-politician' slain

Dimaukom and his wife, Vice Mayor Bai Anida Dimaukom, were among the politicians on the drug watch list of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippine flag in the town hall is at half-mast as a sign of mourning and grief over the death of the town mayor.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council officer Akmad Donia said he does not believe Dimaukom was involved in the illegal drug trade.

Akmad Kanakan, another employee of the local government, said Mayor Dimaukom is a big loss to the municipality in terms of peace and development.

Mayor Dimakuom and his wife are known for being the "couple for peace and development" for implementing various projects such as the pink mosque, transport terminal, and housing projects.

Based on the law of succession, his wife Bai Anida will assume the post of town mayor, while the first municipal councilor Anwar Sindatuk will assume as vice mayor.

Mayor Dimaukom's remains will be laid to rest Friday afternoon in the compound of Pink Mosque in Barangay Salvo Datu Saudi Ampatuan Maguindanao.