The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou is ''providing all necessary assistance, including appropriate legal support'' to the three Filipinos who are detained in that country for alleged espionage,'' the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement Friday.

The DFA said it '' has been formally made aware of the allegations against the three Filipinos who are currently detained in China.''

The three Filipinos were not named by the DFA but the Global Times newspaper on Thursday said they were David Servanez, Albert Endencia and Nathalie Plizardo.

Global Times said ''after investigation, China's national security authorities discovered that he (Plizardo) was being remotely directed by a Philippine handler known as "Herrera," enrngaging in espionage and intelligence-gathering activities within China.

''Further investigation revealed that "Herrera" was also directing two other Philippine nationals in China, Albert Endencia and Nathalie Plizardo, to gather sensitive information,'' it added.

''Following a thorough investigation and evidence gathering, national security authorities apprehended the three espionage suspects according to law,'' the newspaper said.

China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said ''China's judicial organs and relevant departments are handling the case strictly in accordance with the law and will protect the legitimate rights and interests of those involved,'' Global Times said.

Guo added that the Philippines ''concoted a series of so-called Chinese spy cases.'' China ''has lodged protests against the Philippines more than once.''

China also recently issued a ''security alert'' for its citizens on travel safety in the Philippines. DMS