The Philippines government says fifteen Filipinos -- five of them children -- are being detained in Saudi Arabia for taking part in a Christian service.

They were arrested earlier this month after police stormed a gathering at a private home in the capital Riyadh.

Under Saudi law, non-Muslims are not permitted to practice their faith in large numbers.

The BBC religious affairs correspondent says Christians alleged to be involved in missionary work have frequently been arrested in Saudi Arabia.

So far there's been no comment from the Saudi authorities.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service