Philippine police have killed seven alleged drug suspects in Lapu-Lapu City in the central Philippine Cebu province, police said on Thursday.

The incident happened on Wednesday afternoon when operatives responded to a tip from concerned citizens that an illegal cavity is taking place in one of the city's villages, police said.

A shoot-out reportedly ensued between the police and the suspects that resulted in the killing of the seven, police said, adding that the seven were also arrested in the police operation, police added.

Police said operatives recovered handguns and sachets of illicit drugs from the scene.

On Thursday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency's (PDEA) said a total 444 drug suspects were killed in August, or 14 per day in the month.

PDEA said that from July 1, 2016 to Aug. 31, 2018, a total of 4,854 suspects were killed while 155,193 others were arrested in 108,058 anti-drug operations nationwide.

Police have claimed that those killed in the anti-drug operations fought it out with operatives forcing police to shoot back.

A nationwide survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) conducted on June 27 to 30 asked 1,200 Filipinos to respond to their views on the current administration's campaign against illegal drugs, finding 78 percent satisfied and 13 percent dissatisfied with it.

Nine percent of the respondents said they were undecided on the matter.

The survey institution said these data yielded a net satisfaction rating of 65 and the number classified by SWS as "very good".

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte launched an anti-drug war when he assumed office in June 2016, saying the illicit drug operations have become a menace to his country.