MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has appealed a Taguig court ruling ordering the release of Chinese national Chen Zhong Zhen otherwise known as Joseph Sy from its custody in relation to his deportation case.

In a statement on Saturday, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed receipt of the September 4 order from Presiding Judge Esperanza M. Cortes of the Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 221. The order, received by the BI on September 5, granted the petition for habeas corpus filed by Chen’s camp and directed his release, citing lack of jurisdiction.

“The BI respects the decision of the court, but maintains that there is strong evidence against Chen, supported by BI biometric records,” Viado said.

The agency said it has already filed an appeal before the Court of Appeals, with guidance from the Department of Justice.

“We trust that the courts will continue to review and resolve this case with utmost diligence and integrity, to ensure the protection of national security and the rule of law,” Viado added.