Australian nun seen in photo in Davao rally — Palace

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday accused Australian missionary Sister Patricia Fox of “not telling the whole truth” about her activities in the Philippines as it released photos showing the nun speaking at a rally.  

In a hastily called press conference, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. presented photos of Fox wearing a hat and holding a microphone. 

Roque said the photos were taken last April 9 in a rally organized by labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and women’s group Gabriela in Davao City. He said the photo came from “government sources” but did not elaborate. 

“I heard the (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines) say that although Sister Fox attends rallies she has never spoken in (these). Well, I now have a picture and these were taken April 9 in a rally organized by KMU and Gabriela party-list, in front of Coca-Cola Davao City Distribution Center at Ulas,” Roque said.  

“There you have it, Sister Fox speaking in the strike... It is very clear that she was in the rally, she was holding a microphone,” he added.

The CBCP, however, did not issue a statement claiming that Fox never spoke during rallies. The statement was issued by Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao.

“I am just telling the bishops, Sister Fox did not tell you the whole truth. These are the photos. She always speaks during rallies,” the Palace spokesman said, adding that it has been the style of KMU and Gabriela to ask nuns and priests to speak during demonstrations.  

Roque noted Fox was also arrested during a rally at Hacienda Luisita in 2013. 

Asked to react to the Commission on Human Rights’ plan to investigate the arrest of Fox, Roque said: “Bahala sila, gawin nila ang gusto nila. (It’s up to them. They can do whatever they want to do).” 

CHR spokesperson lawyer Jacqueline de Guia said they launched their motu proprio investigation to find out if due process was followed in Fox’s arrest and detention by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) earlier this week. 

Fox yesterday went to the CHR-National Capital Region office to air her side on the investigation, which would determine if immigration authorities complied with the law in her arrest and detention. 

De Guia added that foreigners are not prohibited from attending assemblies or rallies as long as they do not violate the rule of law. 

Fox said in an interview that she was “sad and surprised” over President Duterte’s tirade as she said she did not know where it came from.

She maintained that she has been involved in the issues of human rights, right to land, right to education and worker’s rights for security of tenure. 

Fox, who has been staying in the country for 27 years, said she hopes that she would be able to renew her visa, which would expire by September to “continue her mission.”

“Whether I would be allowed back in would be up to your President. I hope he’s feeling well,” Fox said with a chuckle. 

As this developed, the National Democratic Front (NDF) condemned last Thursday the arrest and treatment accorded by the BI against Fox.

NDF national executive committee member Luis Jalandoni lamented in a statement posted on the NDF website that Fox was made to sleep on the floor inside the Bureau of Immigration-Civil Security Unit. – With Romina Cabrera, Jose Rodel Clapano