The Philippine government called on members of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) not to grant asylum to Nur Misuari, said National Security Adviser Roilo Golez as President Gloria Arroyo suspended Nur Misuari as governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for leading a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to raid Jolo's Army headquarters.

Also attacked were a Scout Rangers detachment, and several military and police stations on November 19.

Golez said the OIC should recognise the 15-man MNLF council as the official Muslim representative in the Philippines. Misuari was ousted as MNLF leader early this year.

Arroyo gave Misuari 48 hours to explain his side.

"There were a lot of reports that said he had ordered his group to attack the 104th Infantry Battalion. We have to give him due process. He hasn't spoken (about the allegations) and we're waiting for stronger evidence to link him to the raids," said Presidential spokesman, Rigoberto Tiglao, in a radio interview from the U.S. where Arroyo is on a working visit.

There is "enough evidence" against Misuari, said Philippine National Police chief Gen. Leandro Mendoza. He added that this will be submitted to the justice department soon.

Armed forces Chief of Staff General Diomedio Villanueva noted that the military forces had sent emissaries to talk to Misuari to ask him to stop all the raids he has planned in Jolo, but Misuari's forces had taken to the hills. He added that Jolo-based troops "are now making sure that no Misuari camps were established".

The caretaker committee of the presidential palace recommended the filing of rebellion charges against Misuari and 600 other disgruntled MNLF members who allegedly participated in the raid.

The caretaker committee recommended the creation of a special justice department panel to study the rebellion charges, to be headed by Justice Undersecretary Jose Calida.

The mortar shelling launched by the 600 Misuari-loyalists in the MNLF and some new allies from the Abu Sayyaf Group killed 59 people (48 militants, seven civilians, four soldiers) and injured 85 others (13 militants, 45 civilians, and 27 soldiers), said Brigadier General Edilberto Adan.

"The president has instructed us to go hard against the perpetrators of this activity," said Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Presidential peace adviser, Eduardo Ermita, noted: "The armed forces has to do what it has to do. The government is not without a tool to address the problem. We have been at this for the past 30 years and the government is certainly ready."

Presidential aide, Norberto Gonzales, said in Mindanao that Misuari "can be arrested" if he persisted in defying the government.