The Philippine government on Friday condemned the shooting spree which killed at least nine people and injured 11 others in the northern Philippine province of Cavite.

Deputy presidential spokesman Abigal Valte said in a news briefing that the tragic incident should spur the Philippine National Police (PNP) to boost its campaign against loose firearms in the country.

"We condemn the shooting incident, especially since the victims included children," Valte said.

She said state investigators are already investigating the possibility that the suspect, who was identified as Ronald Bae, was under the influence of drugs when he committed the crime.

Bae used a .45-caliber pistol to shoot his neighbors in Tabon 1 village in Kawit town, Cavite.

The suspect was also killed after he engaged responding policemen in a shootout.