(Eagle News)—–Australian nun Patricia Fox has asked the Bureau of Immigration to reverse its order cancelling her missionary visa, saying the order was based on “sloppy investigation and intelligence work.”
In her 26-age counter-affidavit, Fox admitted she joined rallies in the Philippines, but said these were not “partisan political activities.”
“I have joined rallies, gathering or assemblies of farmers, indigenous peoples who demand that their rights to land and resources be respected; or workers in their demand for humane and just wages, security of tenure, and humane conditions for work. But they are not political or partisan activities for or against the government but simply to help promote and protect the rights of the poor and needy,” Fox said.
She said her calls to stop the supposed killings of farmers are “universal calls directed to everyone, not just the government.”
“I most respectfully move, for it is extremely warranted, to dismiss the case, for utter lack of merit, factually or legally, and to restore my missionary visa,”she said.
She also asked that her passport be returned to her by the BI.
Fox was arrested by immigration authorities on Monday, April 16, for her alleged violation of immigration laws.
On Wednesday, April 18, President Rodrigo Duterte admitted it was he who ordered Fox investigated.
He said that while Filipinos had “unlimited” freedom of expression, foreigners were not allowed to criticize in the country.
The BI said that while Fox should leave the country within 30 days upon notice, she could still return to the country using a tourist visa.