No crackdown vs foreign missionaries — BI

“Sister Fox was found to have violated immigration laws. When foreigners violate our Immigration laws, the law must be applied and enforced, in the same manner that Filipinos must follow immigration laws when they are in another country,” Sandoval said. (File photo by Roy Lagarde/CBCP News)

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday, July 20, clarified that there is no “crackdown” of foreign missionaries in the Philippines, following the deportation order issued against Australian nun Patricia Fox.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained that the bureau was just exercising its mandate  when it ordered the deportation of Fox and her inclusion in the BI’s blacklist which bars her from returning to the country.

“Sister Fox was found to have violated immigration laws. When foreigners violate our immigration laws, the law must be applied and enforced, in the same manner that Filipinos must follow immigration laws when they are in another country,” Sandoval said.

In its 10-page order issued on Thursday, July 19, the BI said the nun violated the conditions of her missionary visa for allegedly taking part in political activities which is prohibited to foreigners.

The bureau cited photographs of Fox taken in 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2018, showing that she “illegally engaged” in Philippines’ political activities — including those where she reportedly demanded the release of political prisoners, and her participation in the two press conferences: “Trump and Duterte, hands off rights defenders” and “Stop Killing Farmers.”

There were also photos showing that she joined in the rallies for land distribution in Hacienda Luisita, a rally protesting the extension of martial law in Mindanao, and a labor groups rally in Davao City.

It can be recalled that Fox was granted a missionary visa on July 21, 2016 which is valid until September 5, 2018, “with a limitation that she will render her missionary work in Barangay Amihan in Quezon City.”

However, the Immigration department, in its order, said Fox participated in political activities from north (Tarlac) to south (South Cotabato). The BI noted that her missionary visa only allowed her to engage in missionary or religious works and not in political activities.

“We welcome the presence of foreign missionaries in the Philippines, but, as with any alien staying in our country, they must respect and follow our laws,” Sandoval said.

Malacañang echoed the BI’s statement, saying “That’s the law. Dura lex sed lex (the law may be harsh, but it is the law).”

On Thursday, the 71-year-old nun, who has been doing her missionary work in the Philippines for the past 27 years, expressed dismay with the Immigration department’s order which she only learned about via text message from her lawyer.

“Well of course I’m disappointed but that’s the order, and we’ll look at what we can do about it,” Fox said.

Her camp, through lawyer Jobert Pahilga, said they will appeal the decision of the BI and if it is necessary, they will raise the issue up to the Department of Justice (DOJ).