DOJ vows fairness in Aussie nun’s case

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice will decide on the case of Australian nun Patricia Fox fairly, DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said yesterday.

Guevarra said the government would apply the country’s immigration laws on the 71-year-old nun’s case regardless of her political affiliations and reported links with militant groups.

“Our action will be based on the findings of the Bureau of Immigration (BI),” he told reporters.

Guevarra explained that the DOJ would decide if Fox would be penalized under the Immigration Act.

“While she was released from detention, Sister Patricia Fox’s case is still undergoing investigation,” he said.

Under the law, the BI may issue the immediate deportation of Fox if it is proven that she violated the country’s immigration laws.

But the summary deportation order can be appealed before the BI board of commissioners, whose decision can be reviewed by the justice secretary.

Fox, an advocate of land reform, was arrested by BI agents on April 16 for allegedly joining protest rallies against the government. She was released the following day for further investigation.

Malacanang has presented a photo taken on April 9 showing Fox speaking at a militant rally in Davao City.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said this could be proof that the nun violated the rule, which prohibits foreigners from participating in political assemblies.