MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) revealed on Monday that it received a letter from the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) regarding an alleged request from the Kiram family for legal assistance.

DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez said the letter is "under consideration".

"The PAO was asked to help Filipinos who were detained in Sabah. But  it is really our mandate to provide legal assistance to our countrymen abroad who may need it," Hernandez said.

At this stage however, Hernandez said they still have to get details such as specific charges on individuals before they can help them.

DFA officials are still denied access to Filipinos arrested by Malaysian authorities in Sabah.