Manila  - A Catholic priest who advocated for human rights was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the eastern Philippines, a regional police spokesman said Monday.

Father Cecilio Lucero was aboard a van Sunday when about 30 heavily armed men attacked it in San Jose town in Northern Samar province, 480 kilometres south of Manila, according to Senior Superintendent Manny Cubillo.

Cubillo said Lucero died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds while the victim's police escort and a civilian companion were wounded in the attack.

The priest had received death threats prior to the attack, according to his brother, former Congressman Wilmar Lucero. The congressman did not give details about the threat.

Investigators were still determining the motive behind the attack. (dpa)