Mining executive Joseph Sy, who the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said is really Chen Zhong Zhen, a foreign national, will remain in custody despite a court order granting his release, BI chief Joel Anthony Viado disclosed on Saturday.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 221 of Taguig City granted Chen’s petition for habeas corpus and ordered his release, citing lack of jurisdiction.
While the BI respects the court’s decision, the agency maintains that there’s strong evidence against Chen, supported by biometric records.
In a statement, Viado said they already appealed the order to the Court of Appeals.
The BI claimed that Chen’s fingerprints match those of a Chinese national who previously held a long-term visa and an Alien Certificate Registration Identity Card.
Chen, a 60-year-old Chinese national, was arrested at NAIA Terminal 3 on August 21, for allegedly misrepresenting himself as a Filipino citizen.
He is the chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings and owns several other major businesses in the Philippines with ties to various economic and business groups.
The BI is awaiting the resolution of their appeal at the Court of Appeals, trusting that the courts will review and resolve the case with diligence and integrity to protect national security and the rule of law.
