MANILA— The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the Supreme Court’s order for the release of mining executive Joseph Sy does not constitute a final ruling on questions surrounding his citizenship and identity.

In a statement on Monday, Oct. 12, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said the bureau respects the high court’s resolution directing Sy’s release upon compliance with the conditions imposed by the Court.

The Supreme Court’s First Division, in a resolution dated Oct. 7, granted Sy a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction, effective upon the posting of a P900,000 cash bond.

“We wish to emphasize that the Supreme Court’s order concerns Mr. Sy’s release from custody while judicial proceedings continue. It does not constitute a final determination of the questions surrounding his citizenship and identity,” Viado said.

Viado clarified that the case before the high court concerns an appeal in a habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of Sy’s detention, rather than a final determination of his citizenship.

The BI said it was coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to ensure the prompt implementation of the directive.

The bureau maintained that its investigation into Sy’s immigration status, identity and citizenship documents fell within its legal mandate, adding that the issues raised by the investigation remained subject to judicial determination.

“The legal issues arising from that investigation remain subject to judicial determination,” Viado said.

Sy, chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., was arrested by the BI on Aug. 21, 2025. The bureau has alleged, based on fingerprint analysis, that he is a Chinese national identified as Chen Zhong Zhen or Shi Zhenzong.

In February, the Court of Appeals affirmed a Taguig City Regional Trial Court decision granting Sy’s petition for habeas corpus and denied the BI’s appeal. The appellate court agreed with petitioner Dante Bravo’s assertion that Sy is a Filipino citizen.

The Supreme Court directed Viado or whoever had custody of Sy to submit a written compliance report within 24 hours of his release.

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) had earlier called for Sy’s immediate release, disputing the legality of his arrest and continued detention.

In a statement last year, the industry group asserted that Sy was a Filipino citizen whose rights were protected by the Constitution. It also claimed that Philippine authorities, including the BI, had previously recognized his citizenship in two separate rulings.

The PNIA criticized his continued detention over suspicions that he was an alien, describing it as a violation of due process and warning that the case could affect investor confidence in the Philippine 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 association said.

The BI reiterated its commitment to respecting judicial authority, upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of the country’s immigration system.