The Saudi authorities are reported to have arrested five foreigners for possessing bibles and spreading Christian teachings.

The Vatican news agency FIDES said those detained -- four Philippine nationals and a Dutchman -- had all been working in Saudi Arabia.

The agency said police in Riyadh continued to search the homes of Filipinos identified as Christians.

It said a Filipino released from jail last year alleged he had been tortured and put under pressure to convert to Islam.

There's been no word on the latest arrests from the Saudi government.