Repercussions for Filipino missionaries abroad

The Duterte administration’s belligerent stance against the missionary work of Australian nun Patricia Fox sets a bad precedent for missionaries here as well as Filipino missionaries abroad.

Sister Pat is not a threat to our security. She has, in fact, exhausted all her years identifying herself with the forgotten. Deporting her on the shallow pretext of technicality without considering her humanitarian mission is a disservice to our country.

The Duterte administration must bear in mind that we send many Christian missionaries to various parts of the world, like Papua New Guinea, the Middle East, East Timor, China, Indonesia, Latin America, Africa, etc. The hard stance against Sister Pat might put them at risk.

If we cannot thank Sister Pat for her 27 years of sacrifice or assist her in her mission, we could at least be kind to her.

ROMY O. PONTE, [email protected]