NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PNIA Demands Immediate Release Of FNI Chairman Joseph Sy; Decries Illegal Arrest
Photo credit: FNI
The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) has sounded the alarm over what it calls the unlawful arrest and continued detention of Mr. Joseph Sy, Chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI) and a respected PNIA member.
Mr. Sy was apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on August 21, 2025, despite his status as a Filipino citizen—already affirmed twice by the very same agency. PNIA stressed that it is both troubling and contradictory for the BI, which previously recognized Sy’s citizenship, to now treat him as an alien and detain him without valid grounds.
“This is not only a grave injustice against one individual but also a dangerous precedent,” PNIA emphasized. “Holding a Filipino citizen under suspicion of being an alien, without lawful basis and beyond the BI’s jurisdiction, runs counter to the Constitution and to basic principles of due process.”
The Association underscored that it has consistently advocated for fairness, transparency, and a rules-based system—values it believes are crucial for the responsible development of the country’s mining sector. It warned that incidents like this send the wrong signal to both local and foreign investors, especially as the Philippines seeks to strengthen its reputation as a reliable hub for mineral development.
“No Filipino should be subjected to this kind of treatment, least of all by institutions entrusted with protecting our rights,” PNIA added, standing firmly in solidarity with Sy.
The group is calling on authorities to resolve the issue immediately, uphold the rule of law, and order Sy’s release without delay.
PNIA reiterated its commitment to an industry grounded in stability and legality, saying the protection of industry leaders’ constitutional rights is vital to ensuring sustained growth and investor confidence.
Mr. Sy was apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on August 21, 2025, despite his status as a Filipino citizen—already affirmed twice by the very same agency. PNIA stressed that it is both troubling and contradictory for the BI, which previously recognized Sy’s citizenship, to now treat him as an alien and detain him without valid grounds.
“This is not only a grave injustice against one individual but also a dangerous precedent,” PNIA emphasized. “Holding a Filipino citizen under suspicion of being an alien, without lawful basis and beyond the BI’s jurisdiction, runs counter to the Constitution and to basic principles of due process.”
The Association underscored that it has consistently advocated for fairness, transparency, and a rules-based system—values it believes are crucial for the responsible development of the country’s mining sector. It warned that incidents like this send the wrong signal to both local and foreign investors, especially as the Philippines seeks to strengthen its reputation as a reliable hub for mineral development.
“No Filipino should be subjected to this kind of treatment, least of all by institutions entrusted with protecting our rights,” PNIA added, standing firmly in solidarity with Sy.
The group is calling on authorities to resolve the issue immediately, uphold the rule of law, and order Sy’s release without delay.
PNIA reiterated its commitment to an industry grounded in stability and legality, saying the protection of industry leaders’ constitutional rights is vital to ensuring sustained growth and investor confidence.
Aug 25, 2025
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