DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Australian Deputy Head to the Philippines preferred not to comment on the deportation order against activist missionary, Sister Patricia Fox.
Mat Kimberly, Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, has few words when asked if there were talks between the Philippine government and the Australian government to resolve the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) decision to strip Fox of her missionary visa and to force her to leave the country in 30 days.
Kimberly said “We are aware of the case but for private reasons, we will not comment.”
Last April 16, BI arrested and investigated Fox due to the nun’s supposed violation of Section 9 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 which bans a non-immigrant alien to stay in the country.
READ: Immigration to deport Australian missionary nun
President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he ordered the deportation because of Fox’s “disorderly conduct” with her attendance and participation in political rallies.
The 30-day order for deportation will end on May 25 but Fox’s counsel, Atty. Maria Sol Taule said, “(W)e filed a motion for reconsideration on the cancellation; they should rule on it before May 25.”
Different groups and organizations have shown support for the Australian missionary, saying she was only fulfilling her prophetic mission to be in solidarity with the poor and powerless.
They said Fox should be commended, not deported or harassed.(davaotoday.com)
