The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) said today that it canceled the visa of Australian nun Patricia Fox and ordered her to leave the Philippines in 30 days, citing her alleged partisan political activities.
Fox’s alien certificate of registration was also deactivated after intelligence agents found photo evidence of her alleged participation in an anti-government rally, said Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente.
“She (Fox) was found to have engaged in activities that are not allowed under the terms and conditions of her visa,” Morente said.
Fox’s lawyer, Jobert Pahilga, slammed the Immigration’s order saying it violated the nun’s right to due process, as she has yet to file a counter-affidavit to refute allegations against her.
“What we received yesterday was the supplemental report of the intelligence division. We were given 10 days to supposedly file our counter affidavit. That’s why we were surprised there was an order by the BI to forfeit her visa,” he said.
The lawyer insisted that Fox has only been engaged in missionary work with the farmers, indigenous peoples, and the poor, not in political activities.
He said they will be questioning the BI order before the proper court.
The 71-year-old, who had been doing missionary work in the Philippines for 3 decades, can still return to the country, but only as a tourist, Immigration spokeswoman Antonette Mangrobang said.
President Rodrigo Duterte said last week that he ordered Fox investigated for alleged “disorderly conduct” but did not order her arrest.
Fox was detained just a day after European Socialist Party official Giacamo Filibeck, was barred from entering the country and deported for criticizing the government.
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