MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday said it respects the statements made by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on the ‘mistake’ made by the bureau in arresting Australian nun Patricia Fox in Quezon City.
“We respect the statements made by our Presidential Spokesperson,” said BI Spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang in a statement.
At the same time, Mangrobang refused to further comment on the issue, saying that they are compelled not to speak about the matter since there is a formal proceeding pending before them.
“We are constrained from making any further statements as there is a formal proceeding pending before our office,” the BI official added.
On Wednesday, Roque issued the statement a day after immigration authorities released the 71-year-old nun after it was established that she has a valid missionary visa.
“Mukhang nagkamali dito kay Sister Fox at siguro apologies are in order, kasi madali naman silang pinalabas ng BID (Bureau of Immigration and Deportation). So siguro nagkakamali din naman ng BID,” he said in a television interview.
Fox was arrested by BI operatives Monday afternoon, armed with a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Jaime Morente for being perceived as an undesirable alien.
She stayed overnight in a BI office in Manila and was released on Tuesday afternoon. (PNA)
