Mining magnate detained for 'fake' Filipino IDs; group says arrest illegal

Metro Manila, Philippines - Joseph Sy, a prominent figure in the mining industry, is under immigration custody over allegedly fraudulent identity documents - a claim strongly denied by his camp.

According to the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA), of which Sy is a member, the businessman was arrested on Aug. 21.

Sy is the chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc., a listed mining and exploration company. According to the company website, he has held several other high-profile roles, including honorary consul of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Davao, auxiliary rear admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, economic adviser to the Surigao del Norte provincial government, and honorary chairman of both the Philippine Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce and the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In a statement on Monday, Aug. 25, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concern over Sy’s arrest and questioned how he allegedly obtained fake Filipino citizenship while having access to sensitive organizations like the PCG Auxiliary.

“Parang si Alice Guo Part 2 ito: nagpapanggap na Pilipino, may pekeng passport, at mga pekeng ID. Mukhang andyan pa rin ang mga butas sa pagproseso ng ating nasyonalidad,” Hontiveros said, referring to the controversial case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who was previously exposed for obtaining Filipino documents through illegal means.

[Translation: This seems like Alice Guo Part 2: pretending to be Filipino, with a fake passport and fake IDs. It looks like there are still loopholes in the process of acquiring our nationality.]

“Bagama’t voluntary at non-government ang PCGA, nakakalungkot isipin na nagka-access si Sy sa mga tao at events kung saan maaaring napag-uusapan ang national security,” she added.

[Translation: Although the PCGA is a voluntary and non-government organization, it’s disheartening to think that Sy gained access to people and events where national security may have been discussed.]

The PCGA is a civilian volunteer organization under the Philippine Coast Guard. It supports maritime safety, environmental protection, and community outreach, among others.

“Hindi lang local na pamahalaan ang pinasok, nakalapit na din sa mismong coast guard - ang mismong naatasang pangalagaan ang seguridad ng ating dagat. Kapag nalulusutan ang ating mga institusyon at papeles, nalulusutan rin ang ating soberanya,” Hontiveros said.

[Translation: He didn’t just infiltrate the local government; he also got close to the Coast Guard itself - the very agency tasked with protecting the security of our seas. When our institutions and documents are compromised, our sovereignty is compromised as well.]

Hontiveros also flagged Sy’s business ties with Baiyin Nonferrous Group Company, Ltd., a Chinese state-owned enterprise, in a mining venture in Palawan. She noted its sensitive location given ongoing territorial disputes between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea.

Hontiveros, who led the Senate investigation on Guo, said a similar probe must be conducted into Sy’s background and connections.

“If this businessman is, indeed, a Chinese national masquerading as Filipino, the Senate must immediately probe his affiliations, background, and the circumstances under which he obtained his Philippine documents. We should look into who enabled him and how deep his network goes,” Hontiveros said.

However, the PNIA defended Sy and maintained that he is a legitimate Filipino citizen.

“His citizenship has already been affirmed by Philippine authorities, in particular by the BI (Bureau of Immigration) 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 PNIA said in a statement.

The group called on authorities to uphold due process and release Sy immediately.

“This incident sends the wrong message to the business and investment community at a time when the Philippines is working to boost investor confidence in the mining industry and position itself as a global leader in responsible and competitive mineral development,” the PNIA said.