MANILA - The Philippine government today said it has invited Malaysian police to interview the 13-year-old Filipina who complained that she was sexually abused at an illegal immigrants holding centre in Sabah.

"The Philippine government is giving the necessary clearance for the Malaysian police investigators to visit Manila and conduct interviews, " read a statement issued by the presidential palace.

The interviews "may include recording of statement and possible formality of lodging a police report," it added.

The case has added fresh pressure to bilateral ties already strained by Malaysia's alleged mistreatment of thousands of Filipino migrants being deported after the introduction of tough immigration laws.

Swift action promised

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has temporarily suspended deportations of Filipino illegals, had pledged swift action in the case after it was raised with him by Philippine President Gloria Arroyo.

Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said today that besides police, Kuala Lumpur may also send a "doctor to examine" the girl, who is now under the care of state psychologists in Manila.

The invitation covers "duly designated members of the police force of Malaysia to conduct investigation and or inquiries in the Philippines of any or all claims of rape, maltreatment, violation of human rights," by illegal migrants sent back to the Philippines, Perez said.

Perez said a "procedure" on how the girl could identify her alleged attacker had already been agreed, but that Malaysian lawyers hired by Manila to handle the case in Kuala Lumpur asked that it not be made public.

"The instruction of the president is to do everything to help" the girl, Perez said.

The Malaysian lawyers "will be recommending a course of action" after meeting with authorities in Kuala Lumpur.

The lawyers, Gerald John and Francis Ng Aik Guan, had already briefed Filipino officials on Malaysian law and procedure, the palace statement said. "Various options and plans of actions were studied."

More deportations

It said the two lawyers have since interviewed the girl as well as a potential witness.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, meanwhile, said another batch of 536 illegal Filipino migrants was expected to arrive this week from a Sabah detention camp.

Coastguard and navy vessels were to fetch the group tomorrow accompanied by Arroyo's adviser on Muslim affairs, Nur Jaafar, and a team of doctors who will first check if they are fit to travel. AFP