“The decision of the authorities in the Philippines to refuse entry and to deport Fr. Frank Nally, an Irish Columban Missionary, is very disturbing. Frank was part of a committee that had prepared a report on the activities of foreign mining companies in the Philippines and the impact they have on the environment and local communities. The attention his exclusion and deportation bring to the issues involved will hearten those ordinary Filipinos who risk their lives to defend their lands and communities against the activities of foreign mining companies. It seems strange that the Philippine Government would feel threatened by the presence of an Irish Columban Priest who is asking questions about the activities of mining companies. One can only assume that they have succumbed to the pressure exerted by these companies. I hope that the government of the Philippines will review and reverse this decision quickly.” Fr Tommy Murphy, Superior General of the Columbans. (10 January 2007).

Deported Priest Speaks Out
http://www.balitapinoy.net/

Deported UK priest on mine panel wants RP to explain
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=44334

January 12, 2007
Senator's Reproach Over Columban's Rejection At Airport Pleases Confreres
QUEZON CITY, Philippines (UCAN) -- Philippine Columbans welcomed a senator's criticism of the government's blacklisting of a British confrere.

Father Frank Nally was held overnight at Ninoy Aquino International Airport after arriving there on Jan. 5. Officials then put him back on a plane to Hong Kong, Australian Father Brian Gore, regional director of the Missionary Society of Saint Columban in the Philippines, told UCA News.
According to Father Gore, an immigration official said Father Nally was "blacklisted," but no explanation was provided as to the cause.
Father Gore said Father Nally campaigns for sustainable development and served nine years as a missioner in the Philippines, mostly in Mindanao.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. filed a protest with the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation over the incident. In a Jan. 8 statement sent to UCA News, he denounced the bureau's treatment as "fascistic" and "without reason."