CHR starts probe of Sr. Patricia Fox’s arrest

The Commission on Human Rights  has started an investigation into the arrest of 71-year-old Australian missionary nun, Sister Patricia Fox, Bureau of Immigration agents on Monday for her participation in rallies.

According to Maki Pulido's report for 24 Oras on Friday, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said the purpose of the investigation was to ascertain whether our laws had been complied with by our authorities.

Citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations, De Guia said foreign nationals had the right to participate in rallies as long as they did not contravene the country's laws.

Section 37 of Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act mandates the arrest of an ailen that "believes in, advises, advocates or teaches the overthrow by force and violence of the Government of the Philippines...assault or assassination of public officials...unlawful destruction of property or who is a member of or affiliated with any organization enternataining, advocating or teaching such doctrines."

Fox, who had been in the country helping peasants and indigenous peoples for 27 years, said participating in a rally felt like part of her mission.

"To stand beside those whose human rights are being violated, who are asking for their land, Lumad children asking for their schools, the workers asking for security of tenure," Fox said.

"To me, it's part of a social teaching," she added.

The CHR's legal team met with Fox on Friday in line with their investigation.

When sought for a comment during a briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said: "Bahala sila, gawin nila ang gusto nila."

The nun had brushed off a fiery tirade from President Rodrigo Duterte who ordered the investigation for her "disorderly conduct" that led to her arrest. The President had also emphasized that he decided who is allowed to enter and leave the country.

Fox maintained she had no plans to leave the country unless she was deported. "I love it here," she said. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News