The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) on Monday called for the immediate release of Joseph Sy, chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., who the group said was unlawfully arrested and illegally detained by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
The PNIA said Sy is a Filipino citizen whose constitutional rights should be respected. His citizenship has been affirmed by Philippine authorities, including the BI itself in two separate rulings, it said.
“It is therefore deeply disturbing and legally inconsistent that the same agency that twice recognized his citizenship is now responsible for his unlawful arrest and detention,” the PNIA said.
The group said Sy’s continued detention, based on the mere suspicion of being an alien and without legal basis, is a grave injustice and a blatant violation of due process.
The PNIA, which has consistently upheld due process and a rules-based environment for responsible mining, said the incident “sends the wrong signal to the business and investment community at a time when the Philippines is striving to strengthen investor confidence.”
The organization said no Filipino citizen should be subjected to such treatment, especially by institutions tasked with protecting rights and upholding the rule of law.
The PNIA said it stands firmly with Sy and all industry stakeholders, urging authorities to act swiftly, uphold due process and secure his release.
It said protecting the rights of industry leaders is essential for fostering trust, sustaining growth, and attracting investment.
 is calling for the immediate release of Global Ferronickel Holdings chairman Joseph Sy, who they say was unlawfully arrested and detained by the Bureau of Immigration. The group asserts that Sy is a Filipino citizen and his constitutional rights are being violated.%%excerpt%%){kind=link}