Missionaries overstaying — BI

Amid the clamor to release three United Methodist Church foreign missionaries from detention, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday defended its action, saying the religious workers were overstaying and engaged in political activities.

Dana Krizia Sandoval, BI spokesperson, also explained in a statement that only Zimbabwe missionary Tawanda Chandiwana was detained and due for deportation while American Adam Thomas Shaw and Malawian Miracle Osman were only ordered to leave.

All three, however, are included in the BI blacklist for engaging in leftist activities.

Sandoval said Chandiwana, now detained at a BI facility in Taguig City, was “apprehended last May 9 in Toril, Davao, pursuant to a valid Mission Order from the Commissioner. Upon inspection, it was confirmed that he is an overstaying alien as his missionary visa expired last April 6. He also admitted to have been working in the country since October 2016, but sought a visa only in 2017.”

Chandiwana would be deported as soon as the National Bureau of Investigation clears him from other possible pending cases in the country.

The BI also clarified that there is no crackdown on foreign missionaries in the country.

“In fact, there are currently more than 500 lawful missionary visa holders in our records and we welcome and appreciate their presence as long as the visa is not abused for purposes of joining partisan political activities,” Sandoval said.