A group of political prisoners on Sunday called on the Philippine government to allow Sister Patricia Fox, the Australian nun it earlier ordered deported, to remain in the country to continue her missionary work among marginalized Filipinos. “We therefore join Sister Pat in this fight against the government’s political persecution of church people and foreign nationals who support the people’s aspiration for land, jobs, living wage and other democratic rights,” the group said in a statement. But President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday defended his administration’s decision to cancel the visa of Fox, saying he was just implementing an immigration order. The President said Circular SBM 2015-025 issued by then Immigration Commissioner Salvador Mison limits the political exercise of tourists in the country. That order that tourists are not allowed to participate in protests for or against [the country], isn’t it there?” the President said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 29, 2018 22:41 UTC