A gunman armed with a semi-automatic pistol killed at least five people and wounded 11 others as he rampaged through a slum on the outskirts of the Philippine capital on Friday, authorities said.

The ordeal, which took place in a rundown residential area and a market about 40 km south of Manila, ended when the gunman died in a gun battle with police, said investigating officer Arnulfo Lopez.

"It was random. He would fire at anybody who crossed his path," Lopez said.