The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) has issued a sharp rebuke against the Bureau of Immigration (BI) following the arrest and continued detention of Joseph Sy, Chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI) and a longstanding PNIA member.
Calling the arrest “unlawful” and the detention a “grave injustice,” the association warned on Monday, August 25, that the incident undermines both constitutional protections and investor confidence in the Philippine mining sector.
PNIA emphasized that Sy’s citizenship had already been recognized by the government through two separate rulings by the very agency that arrested him.
Highlighting this contradiction, PNIA stated, “It is therefore deeply troubling and legally inconsistent that the BI [Bureau of Immigration] which twice recognized his citizenship is now the very source of his illegal arrest and unlawful detention.”
The association accused the BI of detaining Sy “on mere suspicion of being an alien,” a move PNIA described as baseless, outside BI’s jurisdiction, and a violation of due process.
Beyond the legal implications, PNIA warned that the arrest sends the wrong message to both local and foreign investors at a time when the Philippines is actively seeking to strengthen its global position in responsible mineral development. The group argued that such actions risk eroding confidence in the business environment, particularly in the mining industry.
The association framed the issue as not only a legal matter but also a test of institutional accountability and the country’s commitment to the rule of law.
“No Filipino citizen deserves to be treated in this manner, least of all by institutions mandated to protect our rights and uphold the rule of law,” PNIA said, expressing full solidarity with Sy and other industry stakeholders affected by unjust legal actions.
Calling for immediate resolution, PNIA urged the authorities to act without delay, stating, “We call on the authorities to act swiftly, observe due process, and immediately resolve this matter by releasing Mr. Sy without delay.”
The group concluded its statement by reaffirming its broader advocacy for a transparent, stable, and law-abiding mining sector, emphasizing that protecting industry leaders' rights is essential to fostering long-term growth and investment.
As of this report, the BI has not commented publicly on the arrest or the current status of Mr. Sy’s detention.
