MANILA — The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) has called for the immediate release of Joseph Sy, chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI) and a PNIA member, who was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on August 21, 2025.

In a statement released on August 25, the PNIA said Sy was “unlawfully arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and remains under illegal detention following his arrest.”

“Mr. Sy is a Filipino citizen whose rights are guaranteed under the Constitution. His citizenship has already been affirmed by Philippine authorities, in particular by the BI in two separate rulings. It is therefore deeply troubling and legally inconsistent that the BI which twice recognized his citizenship is now the very source of his illegal arrest and unlawful detention,” the association said.

The PNIA criticized Sy’s continued detention “on mere suspicion of being an alien, without lawful basis and outside the BI’s jurisdiction,” calling it “a grave injustice and a violation of the fundamental principles of due process.”

The association said the incident could send the wrong message to the business and investment community, particularly at a time when the Philippines is working to boost investor confidence in the mining industry.

“PNIA stands in solidarity with Mr. Sy and with all industry stakeholders who deserve the protection of their constitutional rights. We call on the authorities to act swiftly, observe due process, and immediately resolve this matter by releasing Mr. Sy without delay,” the statement added.

The PNIA reaffirmed its commitment to support a stable and transparent mining industry anchored in the rule of law, emphasizing the protection of industry leaders’ rights as essential for building trust and confidence needed for sustained growth and investment.