The police raided and confiscated high-powered firearms, including grenade launchers, from the house of Nur Misuari, Governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao in San Roque, Zamboanga port city in southern Philippines.

But the presidential palace said the only one involved in the alleged selling of firearms to the hostage-taking Abu Sayyaf group was Misuari's caretaker, Asa Asmawil.

Authorities did not find him during the raid, but charges of illegal possession of high powered firearms were filed against him. "We have learned that he left Zamboanga four days ago," said Chief Inspector Jose Bayani Gucela.

"We want to get him. We want to know which group is buying firearms from him," said the investigator, adding that two weeks ago, Asmawil managed to dispose of high-powered firearms.

He did not say why the military failed to make an arrest during the sale and transfer of the said firearms. "The law prohibits the ownership of M203 grenade launchers, and it is issued to the military only during intensified warfare," said Presidential spokesperson Rigoberto Tiglao, adding their presence in Misuari's compound under his caretaker was 'very suspicious'.

"Misuari's house is not a firearms storage of the Abu Sayyaf," ARMM spokesperson Majindra Mahilon stated categorically in a television interview, adding that Misuari personally owned some of the ammunition found at the residence. "Asmawil never worked as Misuari's driver or a caretaker," said Mahilon, contrary to claims made by several sources.

Noting the raid on Misuari's home would have serious repercussions, ARMM Interior Undersecretary Habib Jamasali Abdurahman said: "The raid is a blatant violation to MNLF chairman Misuari being the governor and the government's special envoy to Islamic countries."

"We can never issue an apology because we never accused Misuari," explained Tiglao, adding: "The target is not Misuari or his wife Tarhata Ibrahim. The real target is Nur's caretaker who lives in a shanty inside the compound, about 100 metres away from Misuari's house."

Misuari was in the southern Sulu province when policemen raided his house. "We have been investigating this for a long time. The police has a strong suspicion that the house is being used as a gun running point. The evidence was not planted, they are too heavy and they are too many," Tiglao explained.

"Misuari was not there. He and his wife have not been going there. The Misuaris have not been using their house for a long time. He should not worry because the raid has nothing to do with the Moro National Liberation Front (once headed by Misuari)," said Tiglao.

"Misuari was not informed about it (raid)," said Tiglao, adding: "This is purely a police operation and the search warrant was properly issued by regional trial court Judge Jesus Carbon."
"If the military feels there is a suspicion (of command responsibility), if they feel Misuari is involved, then they will ask him. It is a police matter," said Tiglao.