Immigration agents nab 71-year-old nun helping peasants, indigenous peoples

The Bureau of Immigration has arrested a 71-year-old nun, who according to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines has been helping peasants and indigenous peoples for 27 years.

"We confirm the apprehension of Patricia Fox pursuant to a mission order issued by Commissioner Jaime Morente," BI spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang told GMA News Online via text message.

Mangrobang refused to disclose further details pending the completion of the investigation regarding Fox's case.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary General Renato Reyes said Fox was taken by BI operatives in her house in Quezon City around 3 p.m. supposedly for "joining rallies."

"She is being held at the Intelligence Unit of the Bureau of Immigration 'for joining rallies.' Sister Pat recently joined the International Fact-Finding and Solidarity Mission in Mindanao which investigated the human rights situation under martial law," Reyes said.

"She has long been in the Philippines helping the poorest of the poor. She is no criminal or undesirable alien. We condemn her unjust detention and the deportation proceedings initiated against her," he added.

Reyes claimed that there is a "government war" against foreigners who supports Filipinos, especially those in the poor sector.

"This comes after President Duterte threatened to arrest officials of the ICC and after Immigration officials deported an EU parliamentarian," Reyes said. 

Fox is a volunteer staff of Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) and an active supporter of the peasants' struggle, according to Reyes.

The CBCP said Fox, 71, is a missionary of the Our Lady of Sion (Notre Dame De Sion).

A missionary of the Our Lady of Sion (Notre Dame De Sion) , Sister Fox has been working in the country for 27 years helping farmers and indigenous peoples. She is also a member of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines. #news pic.twitter.com/vwSJj8sbsa

— CBCPNews (@cbcpnews) April 16, 2018

The CBCP said Fox was also detained in 2013 "for joining protests in Hacienda Luisita but was released without charges." —NB, GMA News