Church group slams arrest, detention of Australian nun

A church group on Tuesday condemned the arrest and detention of Australian nun Patricia Fox by agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

In a press statement, the Promotion of Church People's Response said the arrest of Fox was "without due process and respect for her fundamental rights and rights as a Church person."

"Impelled by the Christian faith and the mandate of the Church, she has obediently accepted the mission of preaching the Good News and be in solidarity with the poor. Inspired by Church teachings and especially encouraged by Pope Francis' admonition to be Church of the Poor and be present at the periphery, Sr. Pat "gave food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty," the group said. "She visited the sick and those in prison". She lives simply and works tirelessly with the poor."

"When has it become a crime for Church people to exercise their right to preach the Gospel and be in solidarity with the poor?" it added.

Fox was apprehended on Monday afternoon in her house in Quezon City for supposedly "joining rallies."

The BI said investigation is still ongoing as to the case of Fox.

According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the 71-year-old missionary has stayed in the Philippines for 27 years helping peasants and indigenous people.

The Promotion of Church People's Response urged the government to release Fox from detention so she may continue "to bless the people and our country with her blessings." — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News