Updated

Philippine officials say police commandos have clashed with armed bodyguards of a town mayor linked to illegal drugs, killing six in a continuing crackdown that has left more than 400 suspected drug criminals dead.

Regional police chief Elmer Beltejar says police were on patrol early Wednesday near the house of Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. in the central town of Albuera when they were fired upon by the mayor's bodyguards. The police fired back, killing six bodyguards and seizing at least 17 firearms and rifle grenades inside the compound.

The clash comes a day after Espinosa surrendered to national police chief Ronald dela Rosa. Authorities accuse Espinosa of being a drug protector. His son Erwin, an alleged drug lord, has not surrendered.