CBCP asks BI to let Aussie nun stay, serve the people

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to reconsider the order that directed Australian missionary nun Patricia Fox to leave the Philippines.

The 71-year-old nun was given 30 days to exit the country upon an order which came with the BI's cancellation of Fox's missionary visa last Monday that was based on a panel decision related to Section 9 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.

"In this recent development, we sincerely make an appeal that the authorities may make a reconsideration of their order for Sr. Patricia Fox to leave the country," CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said in a statement issued Thursday.

READ: CBCP statement in support of Sr. Patricia Fox #CBCPNews pic.twitter.com/m0vvBOKrnv

— CBCPNews (@cbcpnews) April 27, 2018

"Saddened" by the turn of events, the Catholic bishops asked the BI to give Sr. Fox a chance to explain herself "in the spirit of a dialogue."

"Could she be given a chance to stay and continue serving our people?" they asked.

As CBCP Secretariat had yet to get more information from Fox's camp, Valles clarified that the CBCP's plea was based on the news of her situation reported by the media.

They also took note of the legalities involved in Fox's possible deportation. Authorities have found the nun to have allegedly violated certain Philippine laws. Her counsel is set to submit a counter affidavit in her defense.

Nevertheless, the bishops threw their support and prayers behind the elderly nun who they believe is keen on finishing her mission in the Philippines.

"Without entering into the merits of both parties in the case, this is for the proper authorities to decide. But this we say: We believe in the sincerity and dedication of Sr. Patricia to serve our people. We believe further that she is moved to serve our people by the love of Christ,"  the CBCP president said.

Immigration officials paid a visit to Fox's house in Quezon City last April 16 and arrested her for supposedly "joining rallies." 

The CBCP has stated that the Zion sister has spent 27 years in the Philippines helping peasants and indigenous people. — Margaret Claire Layug/MDM, GMA News