MANILA, Philippines - Armed men attacked the house of a mayoralty candidate in Surigao del Norte before dawn Saturday, leaving 5 people injured.

Former mayor Teodoro Fortich Sinaca Jr. told reporters that at least 50 armed men attacked his home after midnight.

Sinaca said his 2 police escorts exchanged gunshots with the gunmen for at least an hour and a half before police reinforcements came.

The former mayor, who is running under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party ticket, said 5 people, including members of his household and bystanders were injured in the clash.

Police have yet to determine if the gunmen are members of the New People's Army and the motive for the attack.

Sinaca, however, believes that the attack was politically motivated. -- Report from Trinidad Velasco, ABS-CBN North Mindanao