BI order for Sister Fox to leave PH saddens CHR

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed sadness over the decision of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to cancel the missionary visa of Australian nun Patricia Fox and have her exit the Philippines within 3o days.

“We are saddened by the recent order of the Bureau of Immigration asking a human rights defender, Sr. Patricia Fox, to exit the country within 30 days for supposedly being engaged in “partisan political activities,” CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement on Wednesday.

De Guia added that Fox’s arrest has also yet to be explained formally by the BI and Malacañang, after President Rodrigo Duterte earlier admitted that he had ordered the investigation of the Australian nun for ‘disorderly conduct’.

READ: Duterte says he ordered Australian nun’s probe for ‘disorderly conduct’

“We continue to call for a balance between protecting the human rights of all and the interest of the nation. We look forward to fair application of our laws—laws meant to protect, not violate, the rights and dignity of all,” De Guia added.              /muf