BI to release mining exec Joseph Sy on Supreme Court order

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration said it respects the resolution of the Supreme Court ordering the release of mining executive Joseph Sy.

In a resolution of the high court’s First Division dated October 7, 2026, Sy was granted a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction, effective upon posting of a cash bond of P900,000. 

“We are coordinating with the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General to ensure the prompt and orderly implementation of the Court’s directive,” the BI said in a statement. 

Sy is the Chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. and is allegedly a Chinese national named Chen Zhong Zhen or Shi Zhenzong based on fingerprint analysis by the BI. 

Last February, the Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the Taguig City Regional Trial Court to grant the petition for habeas corpus of Sy and denied the appeal of the BI.

The CA agreed with the assertion of petitioner Dante Bravo that Sy is a Filipino citizen. 

The Supreme Court ordered respondent BI Commissioner Joel Viado or whoever was in custody of Sy to submit a written compliance within 24 hours from his release. 

The BI maintained that it acted in the exercise of its mandate to investigate matters concerning immigration status, identity and citizenship documentation.

“The Bureau remains committed to upholding the rule of law, respecting judicial authority, and faithfully carrying out its mandate to protect the integrity of our immigration system,” the BI said.