CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines -- Police seized a caché of high-powered firearms suspected as having been supplied to partisan armed groups of some politicians in Calamba City, the regional police director said Thursday.

Chief Supt. Rolando Añonuevo, the Calabarzon police director, said in a report that the guns were recovered from the homes of relatives Felipe, Luciano and Nestor Peria, in Barangay (Village) Mabato early Thursday.

The guns -- composed of an M16 rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, live ammunitions and several magazines -- were recovered separately from the three homes that were subject of a search warrant issued by Judge Cesar Mangrobang of the Regional Trial Court Branch 22 in Imus, Cavite.

Añonuevo said the firearms and the three persons were brought to the police regional camp here for further investigation, as the owners claimed having temporary licenses for the firearms.

The police alleged that the guns were being supplied to some local politicians but refused to name the personalities involved as operations continue.