MANILA Philippine Foreign Secretary Blas Ople summoned the Malaysian envoy here today to express concern over alleged mistreatment of Filipinos during a crackdown against illegal immigrants.

Ambassador Taufik Mohamed Noor said Ople "expressed concern over the condition of Filipino deportees, especially the sick children."

According to Philippine legislators, at least seven Filipino children have died in recent days under unhygienic conditions in holding areas crammed with hundreds of illegal immigrants awaiting deportation from Sabah.

"I promised to convey the Philippine government's concerns to Kuala Lumpur," Taufik said after a 30-minute meeting in Ople's office.

Top Philippine legislators earlier today demanded the government file a diplomatic protest with Malaysia over the treatment accorded to the Filipino deportees.