Fed authorities confirm 'jihadist' arrest

Australian authorities say any action by the Philippines against an Australian Islamic convert who allegedly used the internet to publicly urge others to join "jihad" in Iraq and Syria is a matter for the Filipino government.

The Australian Federal Police confirmed the arrest of 29-year-old Melburnian Robert Edward "Musa" Cerantonio but would neither confirm nor deny whether it was conducting its own investigation.

"The AFP is aware that Philippine authorities have taken action in relation to Musa Cerantonio which may result in his return to Australia," the AFP said in a statement.

A federal government spokeswoman said she was aware Cerantonio had been detained but would not comment further.

Cerantonio was detained on Friday in the central Philippine city of Cebu and will reportedly be deported to Australia.

An Australian embassy official declined to comment when asked about the arrest.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told AAP they were unaware of the arrest but were seeking information.