PNIA, FNI call for Sy’s release, citing citizenship confirmations

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) and Global Ferronickel Holdings (FNI) are calling for the immediate release of FNI Chairman Joseph Sy, whom the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested on August 21.

Sy was detained at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and accused of misrepresenting himself as a Filipino citizen; he is currently held in BI's detention facility in Taguig City facing deportation.

FNI asserts that Mr. Sy’s citizenship has been confirmed by six rulings from the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Justice, the Office of the President, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Supreme Court.

The SEC is monitoring developments closely and will evaluate whether necessary actions are warranted under its jurisdiction to promote transparency and confidence in the markets.

Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concerns over potential national security risks if Sy is indeed a foreigner masquerading as Filipino, citing his ties to Chinese state-owned enterprises and his volunteer work with the Philippine Coast Guard.