MANILA, Philippines?(UPDATE 2) News anchor Ted Failon, Teodoro Etong in real life, tested negative for gunpowder residue, but he will remain in the custody of the police, authorities said Thursday.

Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales of the National Capital Regional Police Office however said this negative finding is not conclusive at this time.

?He (Failon) is not off the hook. Paraffin test is not conclusive. We have to continue the investigation and would file charges against Failon if evidence warrants,? he said in a press conference at Camp Karingal in Quezon City.

"Gusto naming bigyang-diin na hindi ibig sabihin kapag negative ito ay conclusive (We like to stress that a negative finding is not conclusive). It will be subjected to a lot of scrutiny," he added.

In the meantime, Rosales said Failon, together with his four house helpers, will remain under police custody, given the maximum 18-hour reglementary period.

"We will take good care of him at sisiguruhin naming (we will ensure), if ever he will be released, ay may talagang dahilan (there is a reason)," Rosales said.

As of posting time, Failon is still at the New Era Hospital visiting his wife, Trinidad Arteche-Etong, who sustained a gunshot wound to her temple in an alleged attempted suicide.

Rosales said Failon was allowed to visit his wife for "humanitarian reason."

Failon, however, would have to be escorted back from the hospital to the police headquarters later.

?After that pag walang nakuhang evidence (If no evidence is found) within that period, kailangan sila i-release (they have to be released),? said Senior Superintendent Elmo San Diego, officer in charge of QCPD.

Failon was kept in police custody at around 12 midnight.

But Rosales clarified that no charges will yet be filed against either Failon or his house helpers as Scene of the Crime Operatives still have to gather sufficient evidence before making any conclusions.

Police officials have said that Failon could be facing charges of obstruction of justice after police arrived at the crime scene and found it already cleaned.

At the same time, Rosales said Failon's failure to immediately report the incident to the police after its occurrence could be taken as an offense.

Police also have to subject Failon's wife to a paraffin test, which was "very vital" to the case, Rosales said.

Initial investigation revealed that the gunshot wound sustained by the wife on the left temple was shot at "very close" range because there was "singeing," or burning around the bullet wound.

Rosales also clarified that the note submitted by Failon allegedly written by his wife was not a suicide note but a mere "sorry note."

"We did not receive any suicide note. What we received was a note signed by a certain 'Mama' na walang sinasabi kung siya'y nagpapaalam o ano (not saying goodbye). It is not a suicide note. It is a sorry note, actually," Rosales said.

Nevertheless, the note will be scrutinized by a handwriting expert to determine its authenticity.

Evidence now in police custody include the spent shell, the caliber 380 pistol, and the deformed slug.

These, Rosales said, will be subjected to ballistic examinations.

Two sworn statements are also in the custody of police?from Failon and his house helper Frida.

San Diego said police have yet to obtain the statements of the other house helpers.

Rosales said that until the investigation ends, Failon and his house helpers will be treated as suspects.

"Kasi may krimen sa loob ng bahay (Because the crime happened inside the house) and who are the persons at the time na nadiscover yung crime. All of them are suspects right now," he added.