The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) has removed Rear Admiral Joseph Sy from its Executive Squadron due to misrepresentation of his citizenship.

According to Captain Lejanie Dy, Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Civil Relations Service (CG-7), an investigation confirmed that Sy violated the trust and core values of both the PCG and the PCGA.

Sy became a member of the PCGA Executive Squadron in 2018 after undergoing the endorsement process and presenting proof of Filipino citizenship, along with his reputation as a leader of a respected organization. However, following recent reports questioning his eligibility, he was immediately removed from the membership roster and stripped of the privilege to wear the uniform, use auxiliary ranks, or present himself as part of the PCGA.

Captain Dy clarified that PCGA activities are limited to civic-oriented undertakings such as relief operations, disaster response support, and coastal clean-up drives. Members are not involved in maritime operations and have no access to sensitive PCG facilities.