The Philippines should set up a consulate in Sabah to monitor the condition of detained Filipinos, expedite processing of their documents, and monitor the deportation process itself, said congressman Mujiv Hataman.

Mujiv, who belongs to opposition party Anak Mindanao, said Indonesia has a consulate in Sabah.

However, the Philippines does not want to set up the facility since it could be seen as giving tacit recognition to Malaysia's claim over Sabah, he said.

Malaysia, meanwhile, would like a full consulate office being established, instead of having to deal with regular detachments of mobile consular officers.

"In the end, the ones suffering are Filipino migrants and their children who have been arrested and are detained in Sabah while awaiting deportation," said Mujiv when contacted.

He was among four congressmen who undertook a goodwill mission to Malaysia from Oct 31 to Nov 8 to inspect the situation of Filipino migrants.

It was triggered by the death on Sept 29 and 30 of two children following their deportation from the Menggatal detention centre in Sabah.

During the delegation's visit, both Sabah chief minister Musa Aman and governor Ahmadshah Abdullah had expressed the need for a Philippine consulate to be set up.

They were told, though, that it may not be easy for the Philippines to do, said Mujiv.

'Stop blame-game'

On the death of Timah Basir, 13, and Nurhani Nurmin, 3, he said both Malaysia and Philippines should take responsibility.

Sabah Special Federal Task Force director Misri Barham has disclaimed negligence on its part, saying the ferry used was Filipino-owned.

The Zamboanga regional director for the Department of Social Welfare and Development had questioned the absence of doctors to examine deportees before embarkation to ensure they were fit to undertake the day-long journey.

Mujiv called for the end of finger-pointing, saying the authorities involved should ensure that such incidents do not recur.

"Extra care should be taken of children. They should be given proper accommodation in the first place, not placed in detention cells."

He also said the medical and educational welfare of children should receive adequate attention.

Although the congressmen did not discuss the issue at length with Malaysian officials, Mujiv said he was taking up the issue personally.

The two girls who died were from his home province of Sumisip, located in his congressional constituency of Basilan. The two girls are relatives of one of his staff.

"We respect the need for any government to enforce its laws, such as their laws on immigration. But this should never be done at the expense of the human rights and dignity of the person, regardless of nationality," he noted.

"Let this be a lesson for everybody. How many more children have to die before we wake up to our responsibilities?"